Oconto County Commission on Aging’s Blog

Forward from AARP:

The IRS is launching a new summer campaign to reach all retirees and disabled veterans who qualify for the Economic Stimulus Payment but have not filed a return to claim it.  This special stimulus category includes recipients of certain benefits from Social Security and Veterans Affairs who do not normally have a requirement to file a tax return.  However, these individuals must file a tax return before Oct. 15 this year to receive their economic stimulus payments. The IRS has accounted for 74 percent of Social Security and Veterans Affairs beneficiaries out of about 20 million initially identified as being potential stimulus recipients. All but 5.2 million of those have been accounted for as either having filed a return, having filed a joint return, or as not being eligible for a stimulus payment (for example, they were claimed as a dependent on another’s return).  In Wisconsin, about 76 percent of people in this group are accounted for, leaving more than 77,000 potential recipients remaining who could be eligible to receive the Economic Stimulus Payment.

Retirees should be aware that receiving the stimulus payment should have no impact on other federal benefits currently being received. The stimulus payment is not taxable. Absent any other filing requirements, filing a tax return to receive a stimulus payment does not mean that retirees will have to start filing tax returns again.

The IRS has 7 local Taxpayer Assistance Centers across Wisconsin.  These centers can provide assistance to retirees and veterans trying to receive their payments. A list of addresses and office hours are listed below or can be found at “Contact My Local Office” at www.irs.gov.

City	Street Address	Days/Hours of Service	Telephone *
Appleton	1901B East Capitol Dr. Appleton, WI 54911	Monday-Friday - 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.(Closed for lunch 12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m.)	(920) 738-5699
Eau Claire	2403 Folsom St. Eau Claire, WI  54703	Monday-Friday - 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.(Closed for lunch 12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m.)	(715) 836-8750
Green Bay	440 Security  Boulevard Green Bay, WI 54313	Monday-Friday - 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.(Closed for lunch 12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m.)	(920) 662-5999
LaCrosse	425 State St. LaCrosse, WI 54601	Monday-Friday - 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.(Closed for lunch 12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m.)	(60 785-0246
Madison	545 Zor Shrine Pl. Madison, WI 53719	Monday-Friday - 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.(Closed for lunch 12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m.)	(60 829-5827
Milwaukee	211 W. Wisconsin Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53203	Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.	(414) 231-2100
Rothschild	10208 Park Plaza Rothschild, WI 54474	Monday-Friday - 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.(Closed for lunch 12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m.)	(715) 241-7077

* Note:  The phone numbers in the chart above are not toll-free for all locations.  When you call, you will reach a recorded business message with information about office hours, locations and services provided in that office.  You may leave a message to request an appointment for help resolving a tax issue or to reschedule an existing appointment.  You will receive a return call within two business days.  If face-to-face assistance is not a priority for you, you may also get help with IRS letters or resolve tax account issues by phone, toll free at 1-800-829-1040 (individuals) or 1-800-829-4933 (businesses).

A senior lady was really on top of this potential case of fraud. Well done!

She received a phone call from someone from “Readers Digest” (when she called the number back, it was a company called, GoldCrest) and wanted her social security number and other personal information. The person was very forceful in their request, so much so that the senior lady was a bit intimadated.

Just be aware and if it you do get a similar call, remember: If you have won a contest prize the only time you have to pay anything is when you receive it. (Such as, applicable taxes, delivery charges, etc.) 

If you receive an article of mail saying much the same thing, you can, if you wish, send it on to the Fraud Department. The following link will take you to a page with links to different agencies for different types of fraud. http://aginginocontowi.org/scamsindex.html

Remember, you are in charge of your personal information and money, and this type of scum-ball will do every thing they can to relieve you of it, any way they can.

There are some good resources shared by the state Department of Health and Family Services in collaboration with the public health network. One very informative link which gives contact information for each of the counties designated as a flood disaster area. 
http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/FoodShare/Flood/

Another one for DHFS is here….http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/eh/DisasterHealthSafety/index.htm  Lots of information.  This is valuable information for those affected and we can’t assume they all are getting registered…especially if they’ve moved to higher ground or left the area to be with family or friends.

The Wisconsin Emergency Management page is also a good site.  They also post the FEMA press releases.
http://emergencymanagement.wi.gov/

There are some wonderful resources shared by the state Department of Health and Family Services in collaboration with the public health network. One really great link… it gives contact information for each of the counties designated as a flood disaster area.  http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/FoodShare/Flood/

Another one for DHFS is here….Lots of information here - please share this information ….this is valuable information for those affected and we can’t assume they all are getting registered…especially if they’ve moved to higher ground or left the area to be with family or friends.

http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/eh/DisasterHealthSafety/index.htm

The Wisconsin Emergency Management page is also a good site.  They also post the FEMA press releases.
http://emergencymanagement.wi.gov/

FDA Requests Boxed Warnings on Older Class of Antipsychotic Drugs

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today exercised its new
authority under the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of
2007 (FDAAA) to require manufacturers of “conventional” antipsychotic
drugs to make safety-related changes to prescribing information, or
labeling, to warn about an increased risk of death associated with the
off-label use of these drugs to treat behavioral problems in older
people with dementia.

In 2005, the FDA announced similar labeling changes for “atypical”
antipsychotic drugs. At that time, Boxed Warnings, the FDA’s
strongest, were added. The Boxed Warning will now be added to an older
class of drugs known as “conventional” antipsychotics. The warning for
both classes of drugs will say that clinical studies indicate that
antipsychotic drugs of both types are associated with an increased
risk of death when used in elderly patients treated for
dementia-related psychosis.

“It is important that health care professionals and consumers have the
most up-to-date drug safety information,” said Thomas Laughren, M.D.,
director of the FDA’s Division of Psychiatry Products in the Center
for Drug Evaluation and Research. “The prescribing information for all
antipsychotic drugs will be updated to describe the risk of death in
elderly patients being treated for symptoms associated with dementia.”

Antipsychotic drugs commonly are categorized into two classes, the
older “conventional” antipsychotics and the newer “atypical”
antipsychotics. Both classes of drugs are dopamine receptor
antagonists that work by blocking the action of naturally occurring
dopamine in the brain. They differ primarily in their side effects,
with the atypical drugs having a lower incidence of neurological side
effects such as involuntary movements or “tics.”

Neither class of antipsychotic is FDA-approved for use in the
treatment of dementia-related symptoms, which can include
forgetfulness, poor memory, and an inability to recognize familiar
objects, sounds, or people. The drugs are FDA-approved primarily for
the treatment of symptoms associated with schizophrenia. The decision
to use antipsychotic medications in the treatment of patients with
symptoms of dementia is left to the discretion of the physician. Such
use is often called “off-label” use and falls within the practice of
medicine.

Recently, two observational epidemiological studies were published
that examined the risk of death in elderly patients with dementia who
were treated with conventional antipsychotic drugs. The investigators
compared the risk for death with use of an atypical antipsychotic
versus either no antipsychotic or the use of a conventional
antipsychotic. These studies have limitations that preclude reaching a
definitive conclusion about comparative death rates for atypical and
conventional antipsychotic drugs. Nevertheless, the FDA has concluded
that these studies, along with the earlier evidence for atypical
antipsychotic drugs, suggest that both classes of drugs should be
considered to have an increased risk of death when used in elderly
patients treated for dementia-related psychosis.

An explanation of the data and advice for treating patients is
available in an FDA notice to health care professionals being issued
today.

The FDA today issued letters to the manufacturers of both types of
antipsychotic drugs, under the new authority of FDAAA (Food and Drug
Administration Amendments Act, 2007), notifying the manufacturers that
they should make changes to drug labeling. Manufacturers of both
classes of drugs are being asked to change labeling so that all of the
drugs carry uniform warning language. Manufacturers of these drugs are
required to submit new language to the FDA within 30 days, or to
provide a reason why they do not believe such labeling changes are
necessary. If they do not submit new language, FDAAA provides strict
timelines for resolving the issue and allows the agency to initiate an
enforcement action if necessary.

People taking antipsychotic drugs should not abruptly stop taking
them. Caregivers and patients should talk to the patient’s health care
professionals about any concerns.

The medications involved in this action are:

Conventional Antipsychotic Drugs

Atypical Antipsychotics

Compazine (prochlorperazine)

Abilify (aripiprazole)

Haldol (haloperidol)

Clozaril (clozapine)

Loxitane (loxapine)

FazaClo (clozapine)

Mellaril (thioridazine)

Geodon (ziprasidone)

Moban (molindrone)

Invega (paliperidone)

Navane (thithixene)

Risperdal (risperidone)

Orap (pimozide)

Seroquel (quetiapine)

Prolixin (fluphenazine)

Zyprexa (olanzapine)

Stelazine (trifluoperazine)

Symbyax (olanzapine and fluoxetine)

Thorazine (chlorpromazine)

Trilafon (perphenazine)

For more information, see

FDA Information for Healthcare Professionals: Antipsychotics
http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/InfoSheets/HCP/antipsychotics_conventional.htm

FDA Historical Information on Atypical Antipsychotic Drugs
http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/antipsychotics/antipsychotics_historical.htm

Posted on the FEMA website: http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=44372

Release Date: June 25, 2008
Release Number: 1768-027

» More Information on Wisconsin Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding

Madison, Wis. — Wisconsin residents have received $6.2 million to
date in federal and state disaster assistance grants, officials
announced today. The new number reflects a $5 million increase in
disaster funds distributed since June 20 – about a $1 million increase
each day.

Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM), The Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA), and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) urge
Wisconsin individuals, families and business owners who live in
disaster-declared counties and suffered damages from severe storms,
flooding, and tornadoes to apply for disaster assistance grants and
low interest SBA loans.

Recovery summary as of close of business June 24, 2008:

* 17,784 residents have registered for Individual Assistance in
the declared Wisconsin counties.
* $5.6 million in Individual Assistance has been distributed for
temporary housing and home repairs.
* $640 thousand has been provided for other disaster needs such as
transportation, medical and dental expenses, moving and storage fees,
and replacement or repair of personal property.
* 6,297 home inspections have been completed.
* 1,582 individuals have visited the eight Wisconsin Disaster
Recovery Centers (DRCs).

Homeowners, renters and business owners who sustained storm and
flood-related damage may register or update their information by
calling the FEMA toll-free registration number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)
or 1-800-462-7585 for those with speech or hearing impairment.
Registration also can be done online at www.fema.gov. Telephone
numbers and online registration services are available 24 hours a day
until further notice.

Homeowners, renters and business owners can receive information about
SBA disaster loans and obtain help with the application process by
calling the SBA at 1-800-659-2955, by visiting the SBA Web site at
www.sba.gov, or by talking to an SBA customer services representative
at any DRC.

FEMA coordinates the federal government’s role in preparing for,
preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering
from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including
acts of terror.

From the FEMA website: http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=44349

Perhaps a visual explanation and demonstration would be helpful. I know for me it is always a big help. 

Don’t forget! If you really are curious about when to expect your coupon, you can always either stop by the office or give me a call and I’ll check on it for you.

Converter Box Coupons explained:

Digital TV Converter Demonstration:

Thanks http://www.digitaltvconverterbox.com/! 

This is potentially very dangerous…this is a very slick scam —please warn friends and family…it looks so real—trust me the IRS did not send this. It just came to our constituent’s account in the Attorney General’s office. If you click on the site they want ALL your personal information…well, the IRS has that!

Economic Stimulus Impact for People Receiving Help in Government Programs

April 28, 2008

Many people receiving assistance through government programs may receive an economic stimulus ‘refund’ from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS). People who receive the economic stimulus may be affected only if they hold the money as an asset. The money received is not counted as income. It is not counted as resources for the first three months of receipt. After three months, it would count towards resources, which may impact eligibility for the low-income subsidy (LIS), Medicare Savings Program, and other government programs funded with federal dollars.

Economic Stimulus Questions & Answers (Q&A)

This Q&A is taken from the Social Security Administration (SSA) Web site at

www.socialsecurity.gov . Please note that the three-month period referenced below holds true for Medicaid, LIS, Medicare Savings Program, SSI, Food Stamps, and every other federal program (or state or local program run with any federal funds).

Question:

Starting in May, most Social Security beneficiaries will get an economic stimulus payment as part of the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-185). These stimulus payments will be as much as $600 per adult and $300 for each minor child in the household.

   Will the stimulus payments count as income in determining whether I’m eligible for extra help with my Medicare Prescription Drug plan? Will they count as resources?

Answer:

Income Consideration:
No, any tax rebate or refund, including the stimulus payments, will not be counted as income.

Resource Consideration:

When we decide if you are eligible for extra help, your stimulus payment will not be counted as a resource for the month you get it and the following two months. By resources, we’re talking about such things as money in bank accounts, investments and cash you have at home or elsewhere. To understand when we would count your stimulus payment as a resource, consider the following example. If you get a stimulus payment in May 2008, and decide to keep it or invest it, it would not count as a resource for May, June, or July 2008. Beginning in August 2008, your stimulus payment would count as a resource if you had not spent the money before then. 

source:  SHIP Weekly Digest. Available online at: http://www.shiptalk.org/HomePage%20Documents/WeeklyDigest.html