MEDICARE PART D DEADLINE APPROACHING

Anna Oestreich says the deadline for enrolling in Medicare Part D is quickly approaching. She said that people still have the option of not enrolling in a Part D plan, but the consequences of enrolling after May 15 are that those who enroll later will incur a 1% penalty for every month not enrolled so it will be an increase to the monthly premium.

Oestreich says it is important to enroll before the deadline because the next chance to enroll will not be until later in the year. She said the next enrollment is November 15 to December 31 and coverage will not begin until January 2007. She said that means that if you are not enrolled by Monday, you are looking at a 6% to 7% penalty in your monthly premiums.

She also said that not only is that penalty added to the monthly premium, but it's not the premium for the plan picked, it is over the national average. An example she gave on how that may differ was the very lowest priced premium available to Bond County residents is $13.32 a month, but the national average is around $33.00 to $34.00 per month. So if you live in Bond County and delay in enrollment of Part D by May 15, you will pay at least 6% to 7% over the national average of $33.00 or $34.00 per month.

She says that there is no cap on the number of months the penalty can accrue. Oestreich admits that many people are hesitant to enroll because they are healthy now or do not have any regular monthly prescriptions. She compares Medicare Part D to a homeowner's fire insurance. They hope to never use it, but we never know what the future holds. Call the Bond County Senior Center at 664-1465 for more information on enrolling in Medicare Part D.

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY INDUCTION

16 juniors and seniors were inducted into the Greenville High School National Honor Society Tuesday night. The National Honor Society recognizes students for academic excellence, extra-curricular activities, and service outside of the school. There was a reception after the ceremony with snacks and punch and Principal Kevin Cochran opened the evening with an introduction.

 

BOND COUNTY FAIR BOARD MEETING

The Bond County Fair Board received a report that the Agape music festival, held at the fairgrounds, was a success with a very good crowd, and they will be meeting with the Fair Board in September to make plans for next year.

The new windows have been installed in the Community Building, the West Side of the building is finished and the new siding should be installed on the north side this week. The Board decided to bring the electric into the building underground and to install new gutters. Those improvements will be financed with a five-year loan. A new sign will be installed on the building later.

The prison personnel mowing the lawn reported the mowers are in good condition and no new mowers are needed at this time.

Dick Debatin reported the new gas tank and pump have been installed. There is some erosion in the ditch carrying water from Ridge Avenue at the northeast corner of the fairgrounds that needs to be filled in and seeded.

The Fair Board Treasurer reminded board members that she needs all bills that are to be submitted with the rehab report by the next board meeting, which is scheduled for June 14.