Provides a link to experts on Medicare, prescription drug expense assistance, forms assistance, community-based resources, and caregiver planning and support. Service of the Minnesota Board on Aging in partnership with Minnesota's local area agencies on aging. It is the state's federally designated State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) and Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP). Information, education, counseling, and one-to-one assistance for Medicare beneficiaries. These services are provided free at the Senior Center or in the home if mobility is a problem: - Advice on Medicare and comparable medical insurance policies - Help research Medicare Part D options- Sort out and help process Medicare bills.

Offers recreational activities for older adults. Activities offered include: - Bicycling club - Bingo - Book clubs - Card games - In-person or virtual caregiver support groups - Exercise classes such as Silver Sneakers Strength and Balance, Tai Chi, flexibility and strength, and yoga - Health insurance counseling - Knit and quilting - Line dancing - Legal information and resources - Ping pong - Outreach services such as referrals, mobile meals, and home visits - Special events - Technology assistance - Trips and community tours - Walking groups The Heritage Center is also available for rent for family parties, babyshowers, meetings, or a corporate event.

- AARP safe driving classes - Bi-monthly newsletter - Thompson Times - Creative Arts (Crafts, crocheting, knitting, watercolor/drawing instruction, etc.) - Discussion groups including Technology, Entertainment, and Design (TED Talks) - Enrichment and educational programs (Computer lab/tech assistance, language/culture, etc.) - Fitness classes including line dancing, walking clubs, and more - Foot care - Health insurance counseling - Intergenerational opportunities - Legal advice (Fraud/scam prevention, and self defense) - Musical performances and jam sessions - Mystery book club - Social and recreational activities including bingo, bridge (duplicate/open), hand and foot, mahjong, and more - Special events - Tax assistance - Trips and tours - Volunteering opportunities

- Community Supports: Connects individuals with community supports such as home health care, meal preparation/delivery, transportation, hiring someone to assist with bathing or dressing, and to find assistance with house or yard work - Health Insurance Counseling: Provides answers to individuals regarding Medicare and other health care questions, including next step information with Social Security and Medicare if individuals are moving from their home - Housing Resources: Assists individuals in understanding housing options such as assisted living requirements, housing with services, and comparing housing services and costs - MnCHOICES Assessments: Connects individuals with the free, in-person MnCHOICES assessment available in their county. MnCHOICES can help individuals see if they qualify for programs that will help pay for services in the community. - Preadmission Screening: Manage (PAS) Preadmission screening for anyone planning to be admitted into nursing home for the state of Minnesota - Prescription drug assistance: Provides assistance to find ways to reduce prescription drug costs and helps find manufacturers' patient assistance programs and helps to complete applications.

- Educational: Defensive driving and Great Decisions discussion group - Exercise/Fitness: Gentle Stretch, Happy Hikers, Nordic Walking, and yoga - Health insurance counseling - Memory enhancement programming - Recreational/leisure activities - Travel/Trips: Day trips - Help with legal and medical forms - Information and Referral: Nutrition, senior outreach, and elder abuse counseling - Support groups

- Blood drives - Defensive driving classes - Discussion Groups: Creative writing and book club - Exercise classes including yoga - Foot care provided by Mary T. Home Health - Health insurance counseling - Information and referral - Library including book loan, audio books, large print books, and video tapes - Parkinson's support group and AA meetings - Recreational and educational activities include defensive driving, woodworking, card groups, bingo, choir, and crafts - Senior Companion (friendly visiting) program - Senior dining provided by Volunteers of America - Trips to local attractions, theater events, breakfast and dinner outings, and extended trips - "Voice of Experience" newsletter

Provides a secure online portal and a helpline free of charge to support individuals navigating their prostate cancer journey. Services include: - Assistance with navigating insurance coverage options of patients and helping resolve issues with their insurance company. Secure access to care if individuals are uninsured. - Ensure access to care and benefits such as Social Security Disability (SSI or SSDI) or state disability benefits, employer-sponsored benefits, sick leave, short-term and long-term disability, and COBRA. - Finding resources for financial aid and/or prescription drug assistance programs - Help with applying for programs that pay for basic needs expenses - Secure online portal to connect with a ZERO360 case manager. Case managers can work with individuals to help negotiate free or reduced-cost treatment or set up payment plans.

Provides an online resource for individuals to stay up-to-date on the latest developments for affordable insulin. The online resource offers: - How to become an advocate in making insulin more affordable to all - Information about out-of-pocket caps and how to take advantage of the new cost-sharing limits based on the type of insurance individuals have - Information about updated benefits for insulin and brands NOTE: Does not provide direct financial assistance

- Income tax assistance - Health insurance counseling

Health Care Access services assist with the following: - Determine if people are eligible for health care and financial assistance programs. - Help people with past medical bills by working with community care programs, collection agencies, and medical providers to discuss reasonable payment plans. - Meet with individuals and families to apply for programs - Provide referrals to other agencies for concerns related to financial assistance, housing, food, employment, and disability issues as needed

Offers a variety of educational, social, and recreational programs to community members who are 50 and older. Programs include: - Educational Classes and Programs: Defensive driving, painting classes, health programs, topics related to seniors, and financial programs - Exercise/Fitness: Seated exercise, aerobics, bocce ball, shuffleboard, and walking club - Health services including blood pressure screening, foot care, and insurance counseling - Information and Referral: Outreach, forms assistance, nutrition, support groups, senior companion/friendly visitors, and peer counselors - Recreational/Leisure Activity Programs: Bridge, bingo, 500, games, movies, cribbage, picnics, and parties - Resource center on senior issues - Social activities and programs - Travel/Trips: Short outings and day trips

Offers a variety of educational, social, and recreational programs to community members who are 55 and older. Programs include fitness classes, arts and crafts, games, music, social clubs, outdoor activities, and lifelong learning opportunities. Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid visits are held on the 3rd Monday of each month (appointments are required).

Trained advocates provide information and assistance services. Advocates assist individuals with: - Accessing services and programs - Advanced directives for health care - Caregiver support - Forms assistance - Health insurance counseling - Information and referral - Notary services Senior advocates make connections with other community services including: - Companionship - Home health and chore services - Housing - Legal services - Nutrition services - Transportation

Provides information and referrals to callers with questions about health insurance in general, COBRA, underwriting, and other health insurance related issues. Provides general information to the public on HMOs - Health Maintenance Organizations. Handles HMO complaints from the general public and health providers. The complaint form can be found online; along with more information about the complaint process.

- Clubs including book club, Happy Hands knitting club, women's club, bridge, Chan-O-Laires chorus group, and woodcarving group - Congregate dining - Cribbage - Day trips and extended overnight trips - Foot care clinic - Health education classes - Health insurance assistance - Mahjongg - Meals on Wheels - Monthly catered afternoon meals (Lunch Box Special) with entertainment - Nintendo Wii - One-on-one computer assistance - Passport to the World Programs (lunch and education on various countries) - Technology classes

Connects uninsured with health care

Health Care Access services assist with the following: - Determine if people are eligible for health care and financial assistance programs. - Help people with past medical bills by working with community care programs, collection agencies, and medical providers to discuss reasonable payment plans. - Meet with individuals and families to apply for programs - Provide referrals to other agencies for concerns related to financial assistance, housing, food, employment, and disability issues as needed