Free Tax Help

The United Way announced Tuesday, Feb. 2, the return of the MyFreeTaxes.com site for this year’s tax season.

Each year since 2009, the MyFreeTaxes tool has been available through United Way to provide online tax filing software to file simple federal and state tax returns for free.

“Taxes can be a source of confusion and stress for Americans,” stated Patrick Moran, president of Greater Ottawa County United Way. “Many of us are intimidated by the complexities of taxes and afraid to make a mistake that will cost money. With MyFreeTaxes, you can take advantage of all the tax credits and deductions you qualify for. That’s especially important now, as so many are struggling in the wake of the pandemic.”

The tool can be accessed by computer or smartphone. Features include screens for credit and deduction eligibility to ensure maximum refunds, showing people how and why their refund amount is changing in real time and a helpline available daily to assist filers.

MyFreeTaxes is free for all simple returns and includes schedule C options. More than 1.2 million people have filed with MyFreeTaxes since 2009.

New Test on Double Masking

As we all continue to learn to work with the COVID-19 virus new research and findings are helpful. Therefore, I thought I would share a recent study on double masking that was emailed to me. Double masking or knotting and tucking a single medical procedure mask was found to prevent air leakage and improve mask performance, according to the CDC's Feb. 10 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 

After performing lab experiments with dummies, the CDC found that modifying masks to tighten the fit reduced exposure to potentially infectious aerosols, including those in the size range able to transmit SARS-CoV-2, by about 95 percent. 

Researchers evaluated two modifications: Layering a cloth mask over a medical procedure mask, known as double masking, and a single medical procedure mask with knotted ear loops and tucked-in sides to help get rid of any loose material. When the infected wearer (source) and receiver were both fitted with the double mask or knotted and tucked mask modifications, the cumulative exposure of the receiver was reduced by 96.4 percent and 95.9 percent for each modification, respectively. 

The report also highlighted the use of solid or elastic mask fitters and a modification where a nylon cover is placed over a mask, as additional effective options to improve mask fit.

"The data in this report underscore the finding that good fit can increase overall mask efficiency," the CDC said. "Multiple simple ways to improve fit have been demonstrated to be effective." 

To view the full report, click here. 

Referral Special

Want to $pread Cheer this Holiday Season?

If you know someone who you think would be a good fit as a Home Health Aide or Caregiver at Seniors Helping Seniors, we’re providing past and present employees an exclusive opportunity to earn $250. This limited-time referral program is win-win for both you and the person you refer! You’ll be eligible for this special $250 bonus and your referred-candidate will enjoy a rewarding job at an elevated hourly rate (up to $4/hour extra).

HOW IT WORKS

Past & Present Employees

You’ll receive a $250 check if the person you refer:

• Applies before 1/31/2021

• Is hired

• Referral works 40 hours in their first 30 days from hire date

New Employee Hires

The new employee will receive $11/hour base pay PLUS:

• An extra $2/hour for working anything over 20 hours/week

• An additional $2/hour COVID relief pay*

• Make a positive impact on someone’s life

HOW YOUR REFERRAL CAN APPLY

If you feel you have a friend or family member who would be a good fit for a Home Health Aide or Caregiver job please encourage them to apply or contact us via one of the following methods.

or CALL 616-234-0190

Open Enrollment for Medicare has started

Beginning Tuesday, Oct. 15, Medicare enrollees have 54 days — until Dec. 7 — to review their medical and prescription drug coverage and make sure the plans they subscribe to best meet their needs.

The decisions you make during this open-enrollment period will take effect in January 2020.

New for 2020

CMS has redesigned the Medicare Plan Finder website and will help to compare prescription drug plans side by side, including information about preferred pharmacies and what they cost compared, for example, with ordering a drug by mail. This is a very important feature, as the deductible is only a part of the decision making. Formularies, the list of prescriptions that are covered, are often even more important that the actual deductible. You want to make sure your prescriptions are covered.

Also in 2020, Medicare Advantage plans will be able to offer an expanded set of supplemental benefits. Be aware that not all MA plans off the same supplemental services. CMS officials say enrollees can check out which plans have extra benefits on the new Plan Finder site.

Beneficiaries who take many medications, especially expensive ones, could be in for some out-of-pocket sticker shock in 2020. After satisfying any deductible that their plan has (a maximum one of $415 in 2019 and $435 in 2020), beneficiaries are responsible for 25 percent of the cost of their drugs until they reach an out-of-pocket spending threshold and enter catastrophic coverage, where they have to pay just 5 percent of drug costs for the rest of the year. This year that threshold is $5,100, but in 2020, it will increase to $6,350. Based on how the benefit works, this means that people who take only brand-name drugs could have to pay about $400 more out of pocket before they qualify for catastrophic coverage.

Getting help

There are a variety of ways you can get personalized help as you wend your way through the open-enrollment process. You can use the Medicare.gov online chat feature throughout open enrollment. The Medicare hotline, 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227), is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You may also call your local State Health Insurance and Assistance Program (SHIP) to speak with a Medicare counselor.