By Michele Taranto

Enrolling or navigating the Medicare system can be a daunting and complicated experience. The federal government and AARP both offer many resources to aid in the process.

Medicare 101

To learn about the entire program and its benefits, go straight to the source: the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS): medicare.gov.

Medicare Advantage, Part D & Medigap Plans

To find more information, visit medicare.gov/plan-compare.

Medicap Coverage

To understand this program, visit medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/medigap.

Enrollment

To enroll in Medicare online, visit medicare/sign-up. You will need an active account with social security. You can also apply by mail, phone, or office visit.

Personalized Information

For guidance and possibly reduce costs, call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227).

AARP Assistance

Enrollment

Medicare offers an interactive digital enrollment guide with step-by-step directions to help the user make the best situations for their situation. Find the guide at aarp.org/medicareenrollment.

Medicare Updates

Stay updated on Medicare updates and news at the AARP Medicare Resource Center at aarp.org/medicare. 

Common Questions & Answers

AARP’s Medicare Question & Answer tool can provide information to common questions. That list can be found at aarp.org/medicareqa.

The Book on Medicare

The AARP Medicare for Dummies book untangles the complex Medicare system. Find it at aarp.org/medicarefordummies.

Classes on Medicare

AARP offers many webinars on Medicare and Social Security accessible from your own home. To find the webinar schedule, visit learn.aarp.org.

For more individual questions and guidance, call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227) to speak with a CMS representative.

AARP Enrollment Guidance

AARP also offers an interactive tool with step-by-step directions to make decisions that will cater to each individual. To learn more, visit aarp.org/medicareenrollment.

Medicare Updates & News

Stay up to date on Medicare benefits and policies at aarp.org/medicare. This site offers information on from new developments, coverage changes, cost updates 

Norwood Senior Center Trip

Quonset O Club and a Rhode Island Bay Lighthouse & Newport Harbor Cruise

Wednesday, July 23: $149

You will enjoy a unique 30-minute cruise featuring 10 of the most picturesque lighthouses in Rhode Island. 

Menu: New England Baked Scrod or Breaded Chicken Cutlet

A letter from The Norwood Police Department

Beware of Landscaping & Construction Scams!

Warmer months bring an increase in home projects—be on the lookout for shady contractors offering deals that seem too good to be true. 

Top Scams to Avoid

“We’re working nearby…”

Scammers claim they have leftover materials and offer a quick deal—only if you pay now. Make a Payment, then they vanish They ask for a large deposit and never return or leave the job unfinished. 

Unlicensed or Uninsured

These “contractors” offer low prices but leave you stuck with legal or repair bills.

Damage Fraud

They claim you have urgent damage. Even faking photos or causing it themselves

How to Protect Yourself

Get multiple quotes

Verify licenses & insurance

Use a written contract

Never pay in full upfront

Research online reviews 

Trust your gut—walk away if something feels off or call the Norwood Police! 

Norwood Hospital-Get Involved!

Town Manager Tony Mazzucco recently conducted a meeting at the Norwood Senior center regarding the status of Norwood Hospital and the organization of a group of community leaders from Norwood and surrounding towns to collaborate with Governor Healey’s office to find a viable operator to reopen Norwood Hospital.

Residents can also get involved! Below are steps how to mail letters to the governor’s office and other officials advocating for Norwood Hospital’s reopening.

If you don’t have a computer, the Norwood Senior Center can print copies of the letters. 

Visit the website, finishthejobnorwood.com. Here you will find a timeline since the flooding event on June 28, 2020, statistics on how many people Norwood Hospital served, and the participants in the committee to save Norwood Hospital. 

Look for the Red Banner and click on ‘Get Involved.’ Enter your name, email address, and town, and hit the submit button. A letter will be sent from you to someone in the Legislative Leadership asking them to finish Norwood Hospital. 

On the left side of this page there are sample Norwood Hospital Letters of Support for residents, businesses, medical professionals and housing. Residents can download and print the Norwood Hospital Letter of Support. You can add a short personal note on how Norwood Hospital has impacted you, your family and/or your community. Sign the letter and mail it to Governor Healey. A second letter titled Norwood Hospital Letter of Urgency can also be downloaded and sent. 

This letter should be sent to Secretary Kate Walsh of Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services.

For assistance, contact Kathleen Rooney, 781-762-1201, ext. 3, or [email protected].

Norwood Senior Center

275 Prospect St.

781-762-1201