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THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2022 Page 19 BOSTON | FROM Page 9 have showed us that our destinies are tied, and we don’t improve outcomes by doing what we’ve always done. We can, and we must, legislate equity, healing, and justice.” MAPC Executive Director Marc Draisen dedicated the plan to victims of the COVID-19 pandemic. “MetroCommon 2050 launches at a time when we face unprecedented challenges fueled by a devastating pandemic, increased political polarization, an urgent climate crisis, and a recognition of the impact racism has had on our past and present,” said Draisen. This plan acknowledges how these global, national, regional and local events affect us all, and looks to the future of Greater Boston with hope, knowing that, together, this region has the power and ability to bring about the change we desire.” Draisen and other MAPC staff introduced MetroCommon 2050 at an event Thursday morning hosted by the John F. Kennedy Library in Columbia Point, and attended by over 200 elected and appointed Greater Boston offi - cials, non-profi t leaders, project stakeholders, community nonprofi t partners and others. In addition to interactive booths and exhibits matching Action Area themes, the event featured a moderated panel led by MAPC Deputy Executive Director of Public Aff airs & Advocacy Elizabeth Weyant, featuring State Representatives Christine Barber, Andy Vargas, and Michelle Ciccolo. MAPC based the new regional roadmap on a robust information gathering process that included tours of the region, and interviews as well as focus groups with residents, planners, and municipal and state leaders. That feedback - including over 600 survey responses - painted a portrait of what those who live and work in Metropolitan Boston want for the region by 2050. The plan acknowledges challenges such as historic exclusion, oppression, and unfairness that continue today, and outlines ways to overcome them while grasping untapped possibilities to ensure that the region protects its natural resources, is prepared for climate change, invests in downtowns and neighborhoods, and provides opportunities for all residents and workers to thrive. Grouped within the five Action Areas, MetroCommon 2050 identifi es ten general goals for the region, along with specifi c strategies and proposed policies for achieving them. The goals include: Getting Around the Region: traveling around Metro Boston is safe, aff ordable, convenient, and enjoyable. Homes for All: All residents of Metro Boston have places to live that meet their needs, and that they can aff ord. A Climate Resilient Region: Metro Boston is prepared for – and resilient to – the impacts of climate change. A Net Zero Carbon Region: the Metro Boston region is highly energy effi cient and has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions to net zero. Dynamic and Representative Governments: Local governments and regional agencies have the capacity and resources to deliver the services and supports our residents deserve, and to maintain and invest in our built and natural environments. A Healthy Environment: Greater Boston’s air, water, land, and other natural resources are clean and protected – for people and for the rest of the ecosystem. Economic Security: Everyone has the financial resources to meet their needs and to live fulfi lling lives. Economic Prosperity: Greater Boston’s economy benefi ts all in the region. Healthy and Safe Neighborhoods: People are safe, healthy, and connected to one another. Thriving Arts, Culture, and Heritage: Greater Boston is full of unique places and experiences that bring joy and foster diversity and social cohesion. Since MetroCommon 2050 is a land use and policy plan designed for practical use, MAPC is scheduling meetings with residents and offi cials throughout its 101-municipality region to make connections and jumpstart conversations toward next steps in realizing the plan’s vision. Presentations are available for public gatherings or internal meetings, and MAPC staff will tailor the content to each community’s needs. Governmental bodies and non-governmental organizations, interested in fi nding out what MetroCommon 2050 means for their communities, can sign up for presentations online. For more information about MAPC, visit www.mapc.org. To interact with the MetroCommon plan, visit http://metrocommon. mapc.org. RevereTV Spotlight A new episode of “What’s Cooking, Revere?” premiered on Wednesday night, but it is playing again! Dr. Maritsa Barros, the City of Revere’s Chief Offi cer of Talent and Culture, takes over the RTV kitchen studio and makes a recipe inspired by the culture of Cape Verde. Dr. Barros adds some personal anecdotes as she cooks a tuna and rice dish. Follow along with Dr. Barros tonight at 7 p.m., as the episode replays on TV later or at your convenience on RevereTV’s YouTube page. RevereTV was at a few community athletic events last week, and the coverage is now playing on the RevereTV Community Channel. The fi rst to note is the Boston Renegades. This is our hometown Women’s Football Alliance team and defending National Champions. The team’s home fi eld is Harry Della Russo Stadium, and RevereTV will be covering home games on Saturdays at 6 p.m. RTV coverage airs live on all outlets and replays can be watched on the channel, but on YouTube at any time. The latest games include the Boston Renegades versus the Detroit Pistons, and then the Pittsburgh Passion. In other athletic events, RevereTV has a highlight reel from the John T. DiLiegro Foundation 5k Run. This was a community running event to raise funds for glioblastoma cancer research, and also to raise awareness of glioblastoma cancer. In the video, you’ll see footage of some runners, set-up and gathering around the start and fi nish and an interview with Karen DiLiegro about the run in honor of her brother. You can watch this highlight reel on RevereTV’s YouTube page and in between programming on the Community Channel. A new recording of “The Senior FYI” will be posted to RevereTV soon. These updates from the Rossetti-Cowan Senior Center might become more of a weekly occurrence – rather than monthly – in order to keep information current and timely. Hear what Elder Aff airs Volunteer Coordinator Ed Deveau has to say about recent events for the seniors of Revere as the update plays in the mornings on the Community Channel. For the month of May, the RevereTV Community Channel has a few new programs. “Life Issues with Judie vanKooiman” has premiered its monthly episode, which plays on Thursday and Sunday afternoons. A new community member, Reverend Danny, is airing his program on Mondays at 5 p.m. and Wednesdays at 8 p.m. Reverend Danny’s programs come in a variety of show formats, but the newest episode will include an interview with a local business owner. Tune in to RevereTV to watch. The RTV Community Channel is 8 and 1072 on Comcast, and 3 and 614 for RCN subscribers. How Medicare Covers Alzheimer’s Disease Dear Savvy Senior, What exactly does Medicare cover when it comes to Alzheimer’s disease? My husband was recently diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s, and we would like to fi nd out what’s covered and what isn’t. Planning Ahead Dear Planning, I’m very sorry to hear about your husband’s diagnosis, but you’ll be happy to know that most medical costs to treat beneficiaries with Alzheimer’s disease are covered by Medicare. Unfortunately, long-term custodial care costs that most patients eventually need are not. Here’s a breakdown of what Medicare does and doesn’t cover when it comes to Alzheimer’s disease, along with some tips that can help you plan ahead. Medical care: For the most part, ongoing medical care to diagnose and treat Alzheimer’s disease is covered by Medicare Part B, including visits to primary care doctors and specialists, lab tests, speech and occupational therapy, home health care and outpatient counseling services. Medicare pays 80 percent of these costs, and you will be responsible for the remaining 20 percent after you’ve met your annual $233 Part B deductible. Sixty days of inpatient hospital care is also covered under Medicare Part A after you pay a $1,556 deductible. Beyond 60 days, a daily coinsurance fee is added. Medications: Most Alzheimer’s medications are covered under Medicare’s Part D prescription drug plans, but coverage varies so check his plan’s formulary. The only exception is Aduhelm, the controversial new drug that is estimated to cost $28,200 per year. Medicare Part B will only cover this drug if your husband is enrolled in a clinical trial. Long-term custodial care: It’s important to understand that original Medicare does not cover long-term custodial care. This includes nursing home care, the costs of assisted living facilities and adult day care. Medicare does, however, pay for some shorter-term nursing home care, but only up to 100 days following a three-day inpatient hospital stay. Hiring home help for bathing, toileting and dressing (this is known as custodial care) is not covered by Medicare either unless your husband is also receiving skilled-nursing care or physical or occupational therapy. To help with these costs, you may want to look into getting a long-term care insurance policy or short-term care plan (see aaltci.org/stc) if possible, or if your income and assets are very limited, you may qualify for Medicaid. To investigate your fi nancial options for long-term care, go to PayingForSeniorCare.com. Hospice: In the fi nal stages of the disease, Medicare Part A covers nearly all aspects of hospice care, including doctor services, nursing care, drugs, medical equipment and supplies, physical and occupational therapy, homemaker services, counseling and respite care. To qualify, a doctor must certify that a patient has six months or less to live. Other Insurance and Assistance If your husband is enrolled in original Medicare and he doesn’t have a supplemental insurance (Medigap) policy, you should consider getting him one. A Medigap plan will help pay for things that aren’t covered by Medicare like copayments, coinsurance and deductibles. To search for plans in your area, go to Medicare.gov/ plan-compare and click on “Medigap policy only.” If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan (like an HMO or PPO), his plan must provide him at least the same coverage as original Medicare does. Some advantage plans may also off er additional coverage for home care services. If you can’t aff ord your Medicare out-of-pocket costs or need help with medication expenses, there are Medicare Savings Programs and the Extra Help program that provide fi nancial assistance for medications. To learn more, see Medicare.gov/your-medicarecosts/get-help-paying-costs. You can also get help through your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (see ShipHelp. org or call 877-839-2675), which provides free Medicare and longterm care counseling. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior. org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

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