East Central Kansas Area Agency on Aging

06/24/2026

If you're feeling overwhelmed or struggling, you're not alone. It's perfectly normal to have mixed emotions at times; it's important to prioritize your mental health. Medicare offers coverage for various mental health services that can help you navigate these feelings and find support.

Call or text 988 for the 24/7 su***de and crisis lifeline. 988 counselors can help when you are in crisis and provide resources for you.

If you have questions about what is covered under your Medicare plan, don’t hesitate to reach out to a SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) (Locally known as SHICK) counselor. They can provide you with valuable information and resources tailored to your situation. Visit shiphelp.org/mental-health

Please take care of yourselves and know it’s okay to ask for help.

Before we dive into Medicare’s coverage of mental health care, let’s talk about what mental health care is. Mental health care refers to services and programs intended to help diagnose and treat mental illnesses or mental health conditions. A mental illness or mental health condition affects you...

06/22/2026

Turning 65 doesn’t mean you have to rush into Medicare.
Medicare eligibility begins at age 65, but if you're still working, or covered through a spouse's employer plan, you may be able to delay Part B without facing a penalty. The key is understanding your options before making any decisions.

That's where SHICK comes in. Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK) provides free, unbiased counseling to help you navigate Medicare enrollment. Whether you're ready to sign up now or planning to wait. Call 800.860.5260 to connect with your local SHICK and make a confident, informed choice.

06/21/2026

Thank you for all you do, dads!

Wishing a very Happy Father’s Day to the amazing fathers and caregivers we serve! The SHICK, MIPPA, and SMP teams are honored to support you by providing trusted Medicare information, fraud prevention, and access to important resources.

If you have questions for our team, do not hesitate to reach out to a counselor in your area today by calling 1.800.860.5260.

06/19/2026

We're reaching out to you 🫵 caregivers of Osage County 🤎
☕️You pour so much into your loved ones - but who is pouring into you?
💛Caring for a family member or loved one who depends on you is mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausting. Your love keeps you going, but you don't have to keep going alone. Join a support group in your area. Talk with others who understand. Enjoy a coffee on us.
⌚️Osage County - 4th Tuesday each month @ 9:30 am Community Covenant Church 334 N. Topeka Ave. Osage City

06/17/2026

Are you or someone you know struggling to afford your Medicare prescriptions? You could be missing out on "Extra Help," a program that makes your premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and other costs more affordable.

You can also contact your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) (locally known as SHICK) for free help applying and start saving today!

06/15/2026

We're reaching out to you 🫵 caregivers of Anderson County 🤎
☕️You pour so much into your loved ones - but who is pouring into you?
💛Caring for a family member or loved one who depends on you is mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausting. Your love keeps you going, but you don't have to keep going alone. Join a support group in your area. Talk with others who understand. Enjoy a coffee on us.
⌚️Anderson County - 3rd Friday each month @ 10:00 am Garnett Housing Authority: Park Place II 200 Parkside Place Garnett

06/15/2026

Overwhelmed by the mass of Medicare information, plans, and deadlines? With the right help, you can find exactly what you need.

State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers free, in-depth, personalized, and unbiased counseling on complex Medicare issues, while 1-800-MEDICARE is the official federal helpline for general Medicare information and basic assistance.

Check out the infographic below to see how SHIP (locally known as SHICK) and 1-800-MEDICARE compare, then choose the support that fits you best, whether you’re enrolling for the first time or reviewing your options this fall.

Contact 800.860.5260 to talk to a local SHICK counselor today!

06/12/2026

Find opportunities to make a difference in your community by volunteering with your SMP!

06/10/2026

The stress of affording medication is a common experience for many people. While Part D now includes a $2,100 cap on out-of-pocket spending and negotiated prices on 10 high-cost drugs in 2026, there are additional strategies you can use to help reduce your Part D costs. Here are seven programs and strategies to save money:

Your SHICK is here for you! You can contact your SHICK with any Medicare-related questions or concerns. They can help you understand your eligibility for some cost-assistance program. Contact 800.860.5260 to learn more!

DYK: Additional help is available through our partners at the MIPPA Center? NCOA's MIPPA program connects low-income Medicare beneficiaries with local experts who can enroll you in programs like Extra Help and Medicare Savings Programs, saving you thousands on premiums and prescriptions. Visit BenefitsCheckUp.org to get started!

06/09/2026

📣🌺ATTENTION LOCAL GARDENERS! 📣🌺

✨ECKAAA would love to have pictures of the 🌼beautiful &
delicious🍓 gardens you're growing! We'd like to feature a few photos in our next issue of our quarterly publication🌟Golden Years🌟

✅Please post your photos along with the county you live in🏡

👀Look for your photo(s) in the next issue of Golden Years which will be distributed early JULY!🎆