If you’re living on a fixed income, things like high heating fuel bills can be a frightening prospect. However, there are fuel assistance programs available and an easy way to find them in your area.

Not all assistance programs are created equal but many offer protection against shut-off if you can’t pay your heating bill in the colder winter months. There may even be an emergency assistance program that will deliver fuel to low-income residents.

To find out what programs are in place in your state, visit US Department of Health and Human Services’ Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

Medicare will expand coverage for preventative care including diabetes screening starting January 1, 2007.

The expanded coverage will include diabetes outpatient self-management training and medical nutrition therapy.

Medicare will cover tests to check for diabetes without coinsurance or copayment or Part B deductible for people with the following risk factors: high blood pressure, dyslipidemia (history of abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels), obesity, or a history of high blood sugar. Medicare also covers these tests if people have two or
more of the following characteristics:

• age 65 or older,
• overweight,
• family history of diabetes (parents, brothers, sisters),
• a history of gestational diabetes (diabetes during
pregnancy) or delivery of a baby weighing more than 9
pounds.

Based on the results of these tests, people may be eligible for up to two diabetes screenings every year.

For more information visit Medicare Partner Tip Sheet

Finally someone has noticed that today’s cellphones are not geared for older consumers and they have designed a cellphone specifically for older adults. As cellular technology went digital, cellphones themselves got smaller and smaller. The tiny displays and buttons are difficult to read and manipulate.

Great Call In has introduced the new Jitterbug phone. The phone comes in two styles and different plans are available to meet your individual needs.

The Jitterbug phones have big buttons and easy to read screens and text with loud, clear sound. If you prefer, calls can be placed for you by a Jitterbug operator. One phone is an “emergency only” phone with only three buttons that can be programmed for 911, the operator and one for reaching a family member.

If you have wanted the convenience and security of a cellphone but felt they were too complicated to use, then check out
the Jitterbug Phone.

Transportation is an important factor in everyone’s life. But for older adults, it is an essential part of independent living. Being able to go to doctor’s appointments, do the grocery shopping or go to the bank is something that many take for granted. But for seniors who do not drive or have transportation, a ride can be hard to come by.

Transportation systems across the country offer low and discounted fares to seniors as well as some special accomodations such as low-floor vehicles, that make it easier and more affordable to travel.

In addition, many communities have transportation service programs for seniors that can be called upon for rides to essential appointments and for necessary errands.

The AARP website has a State-by-State Guide to Transportation Assistance that seniors can access to find out what services are available in their area.

Just because you don’t drive or can’t use public transportation does not mean you cannot get where you are going. Check out the transportation guide and find the ride in your area.