hurricane sandy

4 Must-Know Facts About Medicare Enrollment & Hurricane Sandy

Posted on 11/8/2012 by | Caregiving | Comments

Bulletin Today | Caregiving | Personal HealthMedicare beneficiaries: If you’ve been impacted by Hurricane Sandy and can’t meet the Dec. 7 annual open enrollment period deadline, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is offering other options. The best scenario is to select the Medicare plan you want for 2013 in time to ensure your health and prescription drug coverage kicks in by Jan. 1, 2013. But what if you can’t? If you can’t select a plan by Dec. 7  you can still enroll in …

On Community

Posted on 11/7/2012 by | AARP Blog Author | Comments

AARP Research | Home & FamilyLike many who live in the Northeast, I lost power during Hurricane Sandy. For a week. I’m luckier than some, as I have a generator to at least keep my heat going. But on Tuesday, day two without electricity, my generator died at 6:30am. Within minutes I could feel the house temperature dropping. I don’t panic, I thought, it just meant it needed to be fed oil, right? But OMG the oil was in the garage and with no power …

Using Social Media to Support Sandy Victims

Posted on 11/5/2012 by | AARP Social Media Strategy/Trainer | Comments

Technology | VolunteeringHurricane Sandy roared into the East Coast during my first week as the AARP’s new social media trainer. I noticed how many people were sharing incorrect information on social media and wrote a post explaining ways you can check the information you share with friends. In the aftermath of the storm and the growing crisis to provide assistance to thousands of people in 12 different states, I wanted to reach out and help. Luckily I’m friends with a leader at …

Hope Among Devastation

Posted on 11/2/2012 by | Philanthropy & Fundraising | Comments

Home & Family | VolunteeringNews reports have captured the magnitude of the devastation left by “superstorm” Sandy.  The impact continues to increase as word begins to spread of personal loss and tragedy.  A dire tale that I fear will grow worse in the coming days and weeks: 109 fatalities Public transportation systems severely damaged A lack of power has prevented those impacted from being able to access gasoline, food and other necessities Much is needed and less is available What inspires me are the …

Sandy’s Damage Also Includes Health Dangers

Posted on 11/2/2012 by | Personal Health and Well-being | Comments

Bulletin Today | Personal HealthContaminated water, questionable food and toxic mold are just some of the health problems left by Hurricane Sandy’s trail of destruction along the East Coast. Public health officials told National Public Radio that residents in areas devastated by the superstorm face several risks, not the least of which is polluted floodwater. Water that filled people’s basements and garages could contain a nasty mix of chemicals, pesticides, paint, gasoline and all the other things that people typically store in those areas, …

Sandy Scams: Beware Repair Fraudsters

Posted on 10/29/2012 by | Money and Work | Comments

Bulletin Today | Home & Family | Money & SavingsConsumer advocates are warning homeowners to be extra careful if they need to hire contractors to repair storm-related damage in the wake of Sandy. Natural disasters tend to bring out what the Better Business Bureau calls “storm chasers,” people who take advantage of homeowners who need help with cleanup, wind and flood damage, roof repairs and more. [See 11 ways to avoid costly home repairs.] First,  check with your insurance company to see what your policy covers. Save all receipts, including …