TRIBAL PROGRAM NEWS
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Protecting Our Eiders
^^Utionally, elders have held.phc^s.of great respect in tribal^i
was an important attribute in leaders because it was a sign of wisdom.
When an elder needed help or care of any kind, it came from the elder’s
extended family. Although this tradition continues today, like so many
traditions, it is subject to change because of the stresses of modern life.
Reports of elder abuse and neglect in Indian communities are being made.
Unfortunately, many of the reports indicate that most of the abuse is committed
by caregivers who are members of the eider’s family.
The fact that family members can steal an elder’s retirement check, fail to
provide food or care to an elder, or physically abuse an elder is vety difficult
for most tribal members to comprehend. But whether a family member or a
nop-family member commits the abuse, the elder must be protected.
: The underlying reasons for the growth of abuse and neglect of children
and elders, and for the increase in violence in Indian communities, are economic
de^nvatipn^ alcjj
sm, substance abuse, family dysfunction, and the breakup
I'
*
! confinement,
anguish. Emotional abuse can include intimidation, threats, and humiliation.
IgExploitation is another form of abuse. This includes the unauthorized or I
improper use of an elder’s money (retirement funds,Social.Security, per capita,
assets), property, or other resources, including using the elder for personal
gain or child care. Many times, elders are left to care for children for days at a
time, leaving them unable to do the things they would choose to do and isolating
them from the company of others.
These issues were addressed at a workshop that Elouise Case and I attended
in San Diego, Calif. It was very informational and gives us a base upon which
we can start to deal with issues such as elder abu«HK|
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Another Year of Wisdom
Happy Birthday!
Judy Baker, 3/22
Donald Bellinger, 3/23
Elouise Case, 3/23
Donald Claghom, 3/22
Phyllis Covey, 3/17
Pat Duncan, 3/14
Joel Engstrom, 3/15
Howard Fleming, 3/27
Gary Freeman, 3/18
David Goodell Jr., 3/24
Gloria Ingle, 3/17
David John, 3/10
Andrea Kaiser, 3/18
Arlen Kenttä, 3/18
Alfred Lane Jr., 3/3
Gaylene Miller, 3/25
JoAnn Miller, 3/10
Robb Pearson, 3/28
Delores Pigsley, 3/29
Daniel Rilatos, 3/23
Edward Rilatos Sr., 3/1
Diane Service, 3/9
Elaine Smith, 3/12
Ronald Strickler, 3/16
Dennis Tufts, 3/19
Melvin Viles, 3/4
Albert Wallace, 3/18
Richard Woods, 3/21
Elders Gathering Coming in April
The annual Circle of Wisdom Elders Gathering will be held April 9 at Chinook
Winds Casino in Lincoln City, Ore. Our tribal elders host this event.
We will invite elders from many other tribes. The gathering will start with
registration at 11 a.m. Lunch and dinner will be provided. This is a time of fun,
fellowship, and giving to our tribal friends from afar. All elders are welcome!
Collins, Towner Featured in Photo
Exhibit at Olympics
Siletz Tribal elders Eddie Collins and Gilbert Towner are part of First Warrior,
a photographic exhibit of American Indian war veterans, which was on display in
the Native American Village in Park City, Utah, during the 2002 Winter Olympics.
The mission of First Warrior is simple: to bestow honor upon American
Indian war veterans by archiving today’s “warrior” in image and story for historical
safekeeping. The full exhibit of 40 to 60 gallery prints and spirited stories will
unveil nationwide on Veterans Day 2002 in Washington, D.C.
Medicare Part B Update
by Judy Muschamp
The Siletz Tribal Council has set
aside gaming revenue funds to
reimburse tribal elders, age 65 and
older, for Medicare Part B premiums.
So far, 64 elders are receiving
reimbursements.
Until June 1, 2002,1 will continue
to process reimbursement retroactive to
October 2001. After June 1, we will
reimburse effective the month you
submit your paperwork to me.
Here are answers to some
common questions:
Question: What paperwork do you
need so I can receive reimbursement?
Answer: I need a copy of your
Medicare card. This shows that you are
covered by Part B medical. I also need
a copy of your benefit statement from
Social Security that shows how much
per month is withheld from your check.
Mail these copies to: Judy Muschamp,
CTSI, P.O. Box 549, Siletz, OR 97380.
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Siletz News
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Question: The Social Security
office said I would be penalized if I sign
up for Part B now. Will the tribe
reimburse me for the penalty too?
Answer: Yes.
Question: I want to add Part B to
my Medicare. When can I do that?
Answer: You can sign up for
Medicare Part B in the following ways:
1) When you first enroll in Medicare
(your initial enrollment period).
The initial enrollment period
starts three months before you
turn age 65 and lasts for seven
months afterward.
2) Jan. 1 to March 31 of each year
(your general enrollment period).
If you enroll in Part B during a
general enrollment period, it will
become effective July 1 of the year
in which you apply. Your Medicare
Part B premium will go up 10
March 2002
percent for each 12-month period
that you could have had Medicare
Part B, but did not take it.
3) If you did not take Medicare Part
B when you were first eligible
because you or your spouse were
working and had group health plan
coverage through your or your
spouse’s employer or union, you
can sign up for Medicare Part B
during a special enrollment period.
You can sign up anytime you are still
covered by the employer or union
. group health plan through your or
your spouse’s current employment,
or during the eight months following
the month the employer or union
group health plan coverage ends, or
when the employment ends
(whichever is first).
You should contact the Social
Security Administration toll-free at
1-800-772-1213 to add Medicare Part B.
Question: When will I receive my
reimbursement from the tribe?
Answer: After your initial check
is processed, you should receive your
regular monthly check by the last day
of the month.
Question: Is the reimbursement
taxable?
Answer: Yes, in some cases the
reimbursement is considered taxable
income. You will receive a form 1099
from the tribe. We’re attempting to
make arrangements to pay Medicare
directly, but until then we’re
reimbursing elders directly. We hope to
complete negotiations with Medicare
this spring to pay directly.
If you have any other questions,
please call me at 1-800-648-0449 or
541-444-1030.