Schoharie County Office for the Aging

09/15/2026

See below for a great learning opportunity!

09/08/2026

**Health Tip**

Alzheimer’s disease affects memory, thinking, and daily functioning. While there is no guaranteed way to prevent Alzheimer’s healthy lifestyle habits may help lower the risk of cognitive decline. Below are some tips that can support cognitive health:
• Stay physically active by aiming for regular exercise, such as walking, swimming, or cycling.
• Keep your mind engaged through reading, puzzles, learning new skills, or other mentally stimulating activities.
• Choose a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
• Avoid smoking and talk with your healthcare provider about steps to quit if you currently smoke.

To learn more visit the National Institute on Aging’s page on Alzheimer's and dementia.

09/08/2026

Fall Open Enrollment Period, also known as the Annual Election Period, is the time of year when you can make certain changes to your Medicare coverage. Fall Open Enrollment happens each year from October 15 through December 7 and any change you make takes effect January 1.
During Fall Open Enrollment you can:
• Switch from Original Medicare with or without a Part D plan and Medicare Advantage or from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare with or without a Part D plan.
• Pick a new Medicare Advantage or Part D plan.
A few things to consider when making changes during Fall Open Enrollment:
• Take a look at next year’s Medicare & You handbook to learn about Medicare costs and benefits for the upcoming year.
• If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Part D plan, you should also receive a mailing called an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) and/or Evidence of Coverage (EOC) from your plan. Review these notices for any changes in the plan’s costs, benefits, and/or rules for the upcoming year.
• Use Medicare’s Plan Finder tool to learn about plans offered in your area. The Plan Finder tool can help you compare MA Plans or Part D plans.
• You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227) for a list of plans in your area. When you receive the list of plans, check the plans’ websites or call them to see which best fits your needs.
• If you research a plan online, also call the plan itself to confirm what you have learned.
Before enrolling in a new plan, make sure the plan includes your doctors and hospitals in its network. Confirm that the plan covers all your drugs, and that your pharmacies are in the preferred network.
Enrolling in a new plan directly through Medicare is a good way to protect yourself in case there are problems with enrollment. You can use the Medicare.gov website or call 1.800.MEDICARE. Write down everything about the conversation when you enroll through Medicare, including the date, the representative you spoke to, and any outcomes or next steps. You can also enroll through the plan, or an agent or broker.
Call or visit the website of your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Your local SHIP can help you understand your Medicare coverage options.

09/08/2026

🇺🇸🥕 Fresh Connect Coupons Still Available! 🥕🇺🇸

Are you a Veteran or an eligible family member who hasn’t received your Fresh Connect Coupons yet?

We still have some coupons available! If you haven’t gotten yours and would like to see if you’re eligible, please reach out to 518-295-2053.

📞 Give us a call or stop by the office for more information.
A reminder Veterans Services is now located at

113 Park Place, Suite 3
Schoharie NY 12157

While supplies last!

09/02/2026

09/02/2026

MEDICARE REMINDER
Part D-covered vaccinations

If your provider recommends that you get a vaccine, in most cases it will be covered by your Part D plan. Part D plans must include most commercially available vaccines on their formularies, including the vaccine for shingles (herpes zoster). The only exceptions are flu, pneumonia, hepatitis B, and COVID-19 vaccinations, which are covered by Part B.

As of January 2023, all Medicare-covered vaccines should be free to you. This means you should not owe any cost-sharing, such as a copayment, coinsurance, or deductible for your covered vaccines.

Avoid billing issues

To avoid billing issues, it is usually best to make sure that your health care provider or pharmacy administering the vaccine will bill your Part D plan. When you get a vaccine at your doctor’s office, ask the provider to call your Part D plan first to find out if your provider can bill your Part D plan directly.

09/02/2026

🌸 Join us for our next Life Chat! 🌸

The Schoharie County Office for the Aging invites you to our monthly Life Chat on September 23rd at 1:00 PM at our office, located at 113 Park Place, Suite #3 in Schoharie.

This month, Nicole Barber from Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home will be joining us to talk about pre-planning your last wishes and funeral services—an important conversation that can help you and your loved ones feel prepared and informed.

💜 All are welcome! You don’t have to be a older adult or an OFA client to attend.

There will be light refreshments and a door prize!
📞 Please RSVP to 518-295-2001.

We hope you’ll join us for this informative and meaningful conversation!

09/01/2026

Everyone is welcome! Whether you're an older adult, caregiver, family member, or simply want to learn more about protecting yourself from financial scams, we’d love to have you join us!

09/01/2026

Join us for October's Life Chat!

08/31/2026

Tomorrow at 9 am & Office for the Aging!
Come and see what this workout class is all about!

Vivo! An Exciting New Virtual Strength Training Program
We are thrilled to announce a new program aimed at improving your strength, balance, and overall well-being starting this May. Vivo will offer live and interactive, online, small group strength training program scientifically tailored for older adults here at the Schoharie County Office for the Aging Center.

Program Details:
• Classes will start Tuesday, May 12th at 9a
• Join the exercise class from the community room at Office for the Aging
• Exercise classes are virtual and led by a certified trainer and tailed to your ability
This is a fantastic opportunity to prioritize your health in a safe and supportive exercise environment. We encourage you to take advantage of this program to get stronger! For more information, call the senior center front desk to receive the registration details, 518-295-2001