3rd Quarter 2022 Benefits Corner

Benefits Corner
3rd Quarter 2022

By Bill Dodge, CRA Benefits Chair

Bill Dodge

Included in this article:

How to Get Help from Social Security

Order at-home COVID-19 tests at no cost

Monkeypox: Everything You Need To Know

 

How to get help from Social Security

The following announcement was made on May 27, 2002 by Dawn Bystry, Deputy Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications, Social Security Administration: “Nearly two months ago, on April 7, 2022, we resumed in-person service for people with and without an appointment. As we help more people in person, we want to highlight the best ways and times for your clients to access our services.

Although we encourage using our online services, if your clients can’t complete their business online, they can call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213. Our phone lines are usually less busy before 10 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. local time, and later in the week, or later in the month.

While appointments are strongly recommended, we continue to help people without one. An appointment reduces the wait time and ensures that your client knows what documents to bring, so we can help them in one visit. If your client needs to visit their local Social Security office without an appointment, we are here to help. Our offices tend to be less busy later in the day, later in the week, and later in the month.

To learn more about our safety measures and restrictions before visiting our offices, visit our webpage, How to Get Help from Social Security.

Please share this information with your family, friends, and clients.”

 

Order at-home COVID-19 tests at no cost

Every U.S. household can get up to 3 orders of at-home, rapid COVID-19 tests at no cost!

Visit COVID.gov/tests to place your order. You'll need to enter your name and mailing address. (You can also give your email address if you want status updates on your order).. Each new order includes 8 free COVID-19 tests shipped to your home at no cost — 2 separate packages of 4 tests each. Order Now

At-home tests, or "self tests," give rapid results and can be taken anywhere, regardless of your vaccination status or whether or not you have symptoms. Visit CDC.gov to learn when to test yourself, how to use an at-home test, and what your test results mean.

Source: Medicare.gov


 Monkeypox: Everything You Need to Know

Monkeypox is a rare disease that has become more well-known in recent weeks. Typically, it spreads from infected animals to humans; however, it can spread from human-to-human contact. As of now, there are no monkeypox treatments, but rest assured, there is a vaccine.

Find out if you should be concerned about the increase in cases and what to do.



Monkeypox: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments (healthgrades.com)

REMINDER: As you read public service information about COVID-19 and Monkeypox, please remember that as with other personal health questions you may have, it is always best to discuss such concerns with your personal physician.

 

Bill Dodge, Benefits Chair Phone: (832) 934-0680

Email: crabenefits9@gmail.com