Dear Neighbor, SENIOR SERVICE NUMBERS TO ASSIST YOU STATE SENATOR The challenges we faced in 2020 were unlike any other as we dealt with (and continue to deal with) the impact of COVID-19 Adult Home Help/Chore Services ............................................................ (800) 292-2550 Michigan Long-Term Care Ombudsman .................................................. (866) 485-9393 in our communities. Despite this immense challenge that has touched all of our lives, I hope this newsletter fi nds you and your Adult Protective Services Michigan Stroke Network ........................................................................ (866) 522-8676 ERIKA GEISS families as safe and healthy as possible as we move through the for reports of suspected abuse and neglect ......................................... (855) 444-3911 Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency ............................................................ (800) 642-4838 start of a new year. Attorney General National Alliance on Mental Illness .......................................................... (810) 232-6498 WORKING FOR YOU Consumer Protection Division, for cases of identity theft ...................... (877) 765-8388 Nursing Home Complaints....................................................................... (800) 882-6006 Michigan seniors have earned the right to enjoy their retirement Offi ce of Elder Abuse ........................................................................... (800) 242-2873 Relay Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing ..............................................................7-1-1 and future with dignity and fi nancial security. As your State Bridge Card (EBT) – Customer Service .................................................... (888) 678-8914 Sexual Assault Crisis Intervention ............................................................ (517) 372-6666 Senator, my goal is to make sure you can spend these COVID-19 Hotline .................................................................................... (888) 535-6136 Social Security Administration ................................................................. (800) 772-1213 unprecedented times focusing on what matters most to you, and Disability Ombudsman ............................................................................ (800) 288-5923 State SSI Supplement ............................................................................. (800) 481-4774 I’m working hard in Lansing to ensure that you get the stability Domestic Violence Hotline ....................................................................... (800) 799-7233 Substance Abuse Hotline ........................................................................ (800) 662-4357 and access to resources that you deserve. Elder Care Services ................................................................................. (800) 677-1116 Suicide Prevention Crisis Hotline ............................................................. (800) 273-8255 If you have any questions, concerns or just want to share your Elder Law of Michigan, Inc. .................................................................... (866) 400-9164 TAX statements for Adult Home Help ....................................................... (800) 292-2550 thoughts or suggestions for how to make the 6th Senate District Energy Assistance ...................................................................................................2-1-1 The Emergency Food Assistance Program ............................................... (734) 721-4470 the best it can be, please call my offi ce at (517) 373-7800, or Food Assistance ...................................................................................... (855) 275-6424 THAW – The Heat and Warmth Fund ........................................... (800) 866-THAW (8429) toll-free at 855-DIST006 (855-347-8006). Home Heating Tax Credit Status .............................................................. (517) 636-4486 The Senior Alliance Area Agency on Aging 1-C ........................................ (734) 722-2830 Medicaid Customer Help ......................................................................... (800) 642-3195 Volunteers of America Michigan .............................................................. (248) 945-0101 Working for You, Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) ..................................... (800) 803-7174 Wayne County Medicare, includes Part D for pharmacy .................................................. (888) 633-4227 Health Department .............................................................................. (734) 727-7100 Website: | Medicare Savings Program ..................................................................... (800) 772-1213 Meals on Wheels ................................................................................. (734) 727-7357 SenatorGeiss.com MI Enrolls – Medicaid Managed Care ...................................................... (888) 367-6557 Senior Services ......................................................(734) 326-5202 or (800) 851-1454 Email: [email protected] Erika Geiss Michigan Department of Health & Human Services Veterans Services ................................................................................ (313) 224-5045 State Senator Medicaid Benefi ciary Support ............................................................. (800) 642-3195 Toll-free: (855) DIST006 or (855) 347-8006 6th District Home Heating Help In the dead of winter, heating bills can become a burden that cause many to struggle just to keep their house warm but, fortunately, The Heat and Warmth (THAW) Fund can help. THAW has multiple utility assistance programs available, Meals on Wheels including affordable payment plans for customers of DTE’s Low Income Self-Suffi ciency Plan (LSP) and the Consumers As a community, it’s important for us to support our older loved ones who, after a lifetime of hard Energy Consumers Affordable Resource for Energy (CARE) work, continue to give back so much and serve as the backbone of our neighborhoods. If you are plan. They also offer resources for utility payment assistance a senior, or if you know of someone who is, and are living on a fi xed income and struggling to pay and/or state emergency relief. for nutritious food due to expensive prescription drug costs, rising utility rates, increased rent, and See which you may qualify for at more, please know that Meals on Wheels can help. THAWFund.org/Programs or call (800) 866-THAW (8429). Meals on Wheels helps senior citizens eat nutritious meals by providing fi ve per week to homebound, older adults. They also offer liquid nutrition for those who are unable to eat solid food In addition, here are some helpful phone numbers if you and who have a prescription from their physician. have questions about your heating bill: To qualify for Meals on Wheels, an adult must be: • DTE Energy: (800) 477-4747 • SEMCO Energy: (800) 624-2019 • 60 years of age or older; • Detroit Water & Sewerage Department: (313) 267-8000 • Homebound (e.g., unable to leave home without assistance and unable to drive); • Consumers Energy: (800) 477-5050 • Unable to cook for oneself; • Michigan Gas Utilities: (800) 401-6402 • Have no one willing or available to prepare meals on a regular basis; and, • Able to feed oneself. EG0121 For more information and to determine whether you are or a loved one is eligible for 48909 MI Lansing, Meals on Wheels, contact: 30036 Box P.O. Erika Geiss Erika Wayne County Meals on Wheels | 30712 Michigan Ave., Westland, MI 48186 | (734) 727-7357 Senator State WAYNE COUNTY Protect Yourself from COVID-19 Information & Resources SENIOR RESOURCES Our health care professionals and public servants have been hard at work since the Wayne County Senior Services The Senior Alliance (TSA) – Friendly Reassurance Program Medicare Scams start of the COVID-19 pandemic, making sure that everyone has access to important 3600 Commerce Court, Building E The Senior Alliance’s Friendly Reassurance Program is designed to help homebound individuals The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services information and resources. Do your part to stay safe and stop the spread of this virus by Wayne, MI 48184 age 60 and older remain independent in their own homes for as long as possible by providing (DIFS) and the Michigan Department of Health and Human wearing a mask when you go out, staying at least six feet apart from others, avoiding reassuring telephone calls, social support, and safety checks. This program aims to reduce Services (MDHHS) are warning seniors to protect themselves crowded indoor spaces and washing your hands often for at least 20 seconds. When (734) 326-5202 or (800) 851-1454 isolation and help program participants feel safer and more connected to their community. and their personal information from potential scams and water is unavailable, hand sanitizer containing at least 70% isopropyl alcohol (rubbing [email protected] high-pressure sales tactics. alcohol) also helps combat the virus that causes COVID-19. Program Services If you’re looking for information about aging Visit to fi nd the latest information, a list of Frequently • Ongoing telephone calls to a homebound individual Fraudsters posing as Medicare “representatives” are calling Michigan.gov/Coronavirus well, check out the seniors’ section of the Asked Questions, and testing sites near you. You can also call the at • The call is placed at a prearranged time each day unsuspecting