Hancock County Aging & Disability Resource Center

05/29/2026

Got this in an email today

FYI:

Notice of Price Change
To Residential Ameren Illinois customers:
We want to inform you of a change in the price of electricity that will impact your electric bills this summer. Starting June 1, the price of electric supply for customers on the Ameren Illinois Basic Generation Service rate will temporarily increase from 8.769 cents per kwh to about 11 cents per kWh.

The summer price of electricity remains historically high because there is a shortage of electricity available to meet demand in the Ameren Illinois service territory on days when temperatures are high and energy use at home increases.

Ameren Illinois doesn’t control or profit from electricity market prices or fees, despite those costs being included on your Ameren Illinois monthly bill.

There are several steps you can take to lessen the impact of higher electricity prices:
1. Ensure you are paying the lowest possible price for your supply
We may be delivering your electric supply from an Alternative Retail Electric Supplier through an agreement negotiated by your local government. It is critically important that you know who your supplier is and compare the rate with the Ameren Illinois Basic Generation Service. The Ameren Illinois electric supply price (known as the Price to Compare) is listed on your monthly energy statement. Comparisons with other retail suppliers can be made by visiting plugin.illinois.gov.
2. Take advantage of financial assistance programs and payment options
To help you manage rising energy costs, Ameren Illinois will help facilitate access to bill assistance programs, bill payment grants, and flexible payment arrangements. See if you qualify at Ameren.com/SeasonalRelief.
3. Reduce your energy use at home
When summer temperatures rise, appliances like your air conditioner naturally work harder and run longer, increasing your energy use and your bill. Ameren Illinois offers programs to make your home more energy efficient, including whole-home assessments and weatherization incentives, and simple actions like raising your thermostat to help manage energy costs. Learn more at Ameren.com/SeasonalRelief.

We understand that any increased costs can be difficult to manage. Regardless of what’s happening in the energy markets, our commitment to you doesn’t change. We will deliver power to you safely, reliably, and in the most affordable manner possible.

Thank you,
Ameren Illinois Customer Service

05/19/2026

05/14/2026

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If you’re just becoming eligible for Medicare, you have a special window, your Initial Enrollment Period, to sign up for a Part D plan. Enrolling on time helps you avoid late penalties and ensures you have the coverage you need.
See our infographic for key enrollment dates and tips, and connect with the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for free, unbiased help.

05/12/2026

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Think your Medicare card needs an upgrade? Think again!
Scammers are pushing fake chip, plastic, and metal Medicare cards to steal your personal information. Don’t let them fool you. The card that Medicare mails is a paper card with a blue banner at the top, a white middle, and a red banner at the bottom. Also, remember, Medicare will never ask for your details over the phone!
Stay alert, stay protected. If you spot a scam, connect with Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) for help.

05/08/2026

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Are you new to Medicare? Here’s a quick tip! You can enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period, which starts 3 months before you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends 3 months after. Don’t miss your window! Signing up on time helps you avoid late penalties and ensures your coverage starts when you need it!

Need help? State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) offer free, unbiased guidance to help you understand your Medicare options and enrollment.

Want more details? Check out our blog for a deeper dive: link is in the comments!

05/06/2026

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Medicare can be confusing, and the choice between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage is no exception! We know people have strong opinions about which is best, but remember: this Venn diagram is just a simple snapshot. The right plan for YOU depends on your unique needs, budget, where you live, and what’s available in your area. That’s why SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) is here to help you sort through the details and make the best decision for you. Reach out to your local SHIP for free, unbiased support!

Visit the link in the comments to learn more and how to get help from your SHIP.

05/02/2026

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04/24/2026

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Overwhelmed by the mass of Medicare information, plans, and deadlines? With the right help, you can find exactly what you need. State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers free, in-depth, personalized, and unbiased counseling on complex Medicare issues, while 1-800-MEDICARE is the official federal helpline for general Medicare information and basic assistance.

Check out the infographic below to see how SHIP and 1-800-MEDICARE compare, then choose the support that fits you best, whether you’re enrolling for the first time or reviewing your options this fall.

04/22/2026

CMS Issuing New Medicare Cards: Understanding the Change and Avoiding Current Scams

The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) is receiving a high volume of calls related to concerns about new Medicare cards being issued. Scammers are in fact telling beneficiaries they will receive new plastic or laminated Medicare cards in the mail; however, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is currently also issuing new Medicare cards to approximately 1.3 million beneficiaries. This has understandably led to a significant amount of confusion among beneficiaries.

The new Medicare cards that CMS is issuing are not plastic or laminated cards. If you are contacted about a plastic or laminated Medicare card, please report it to the Illinois Senior Medicare Patrol as soon as possible.

At this time, the CMS does not have an official announcement posted; however, CMS has confirmed that they proactively reissued new Medicare Beneficiary Identifiers (MBIs) to individuals who may have been impacted by a recent incident, even if there was no evidence that their information was misused. This action was taken out caution to help safeguard beneficiaries’ Medicare information.

New Medicare cards were mailed in March 2026, and the new MBI will become effective on April 14, 2026. There will be no disruption to Medicare coverage or benefits as a result of this precautionary reissuance. Beginning April 14, 2026, beneficiaries should begin using their new Medicare card and newly issued MBI and securely destroy their old card once the new one is in use. Beneficiaries should also notify their healthcare providers of the new MBI to help ensure continuity of care and claims processing.

04/16/2026

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Did you know Medicare covers ambulance rides, but only when it's truly necessary?
Medicare Part B covers emergency ambulance transport when your health is at risk, and you need care at a hospital or skilled nursing facility. Just remember: coverage only applies to the nearest appropriate facility.
Check out our infographic to see exactly what's covered and when.

Contact your SHIP if you have questions about emergency and urgently needed care. Your SHIP can also help you appeal a denial of coverage that you’ve received from Medicare or your Medicare Advantage plan. Contact information for your local SHIP: www.shiphelp.org/ships