East Central Kansas Area Agency on Aging

06/15/2026

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 (locally known as SHICK) 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.

Contact 800.860.5260 to talk to a local SHICK counselor today!

06/12/2026

Find opportunities to make a difference in your community by volunteering with your SMP!

06/10/2026

The stress of affording medication is a common experience for many people. While Part D now includes a $2,100 cap on out-of-pocket spending and negotiated prices on 10 high-cost drugs in 2026, there are additional strategies you can use to help reduce your Part D costs. Here are seven programs and strategies to save money:

Your SHICK is here for you! You can contact your SHICK with any Medicare-related questions or concerns. They can help you understand your eligibility for some cost-assistance program. Contact 800.860.5260 to learn more!

DYK: Additional help is available through our partners at the MIPPA Center? NCOA's MIPPA program connects low-income Medicare beneficiaries with local experts who can enroll you in programs like Extra Help and Medicare Savings Programs, saving you thousands on premiums and prescriptions. Visit BenefitsCheckUp.org to get started!

06/09/2026

📣🌺ATTENTION LOCAL GARDENERS! 📣🌺

✨ECKAAA would love to have pictures of the 🌼beautiful &
delicious🍓 gardens you're growing! We'd like to feature a few photos in our next issue of our quarterly publication🌟Golden Years🌟

✅Please post your photos along with the county you live in🏡

👀Look for your photo(s) in the next issue of Golden Years which will be distributed early JULY!🎆

06/09/2026

Stuff-a-cow intergenerational event kicks off tomorrow in Ottawa!
🐮6/11 - Garnett @ 1:30 pm
🐄6/19 - Burlington @ 1:00 pm
🐮7/15 - Carbondale @ 10:00 am

Intergenerational events bring the young and aging together to work on a fun craft, talk, and enjoy one another's company. Please call to register. We look forward to seeing you!

🐮Moo-ve Over Generation Gap — We're Stuffing Cute Cows Together! 🐮

✨📚Coming to a library near you! ✨📚

We're exited to partner with the Ottawa Library - Kansas, Burlington Branch Library, & the Carbondale City Library to bring generations together and bring a cuddly cow to life! Seniors 60+ and children under 18 are welcome. There are 25 spots available for children - call to register!

Click the flyer for details! Tag a grandparent, senior neighbor or friend! 👇

06/09/2026

Looking to support older adults and caregivers in central Kansas? Your business website is a central hub for resources designed to enhance quality of life, promote independence, and provide compassionate care. Explore the dedicated programs available and discover how we can assist you or your loved one on the journey of aging. Visit your website today to learn more and take the next step with confidence.

06/07/2026

As a community, how can you help prevent Medicare fraud, errors, or abuse?

If you are out in public and overhear someone talking about Medicare, don’t be afraid to offer information about SMP and SHIP. These are trusted, unbiased government programs in every state ready to help Medicare beneficiaries, families, and caregivers.

Want to talk to someone today? Call 1.800.860.5260 to connect with your local SHICK or SMP Counselor.

06/06/2026

Download the SMP Medicare Tracker app to record what happens at health care appointments. Then compare what you have written with what is billed on the Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) and/or Explanation of Benefits (EOBs).

If you see something concerning, report it to the SMP by calling 800.860.5260.

Wondering what preventative services Medicare covers? Call your local SHICK counselor at 800.860.5260.

06/05/2026

We're reaching out to you 🫵 caregivers of Franklin County 🤎
☕️You pour so much into your loved ones - but who is pouring into you?
💛Caring for a family member or loved one who depends on you is mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausting. Your love keeps you going, but you don't have to keep going alone. Join a support group in your area. Talk with others who understand. Enjoy a coffee on us.

⌚️Franklin County - 2nd Tuesday of the month 1:00 pm @ the ECKAAA office 117 S. Main St. Ottawa

06/05/2026

🌺🪴Show off your gardens!🌼🌹

🍑🫑If you enjoy gardening, we'd love to see your beautiful work! Flowers, veggies, fruits, herbs: all the pretty and delicious things!🌱