As the days grow shorter and the weather cools it won't be to long before the white ground returns and the huge heating costs return. Here at the office we get a lot of questions regarding help with those costs. We have no funds for heating costs however we do get the veterans in touch with TRI-CAP. TRI-CAP administers the energy assistance program for Stearns County. For information purposes a family of 2 (that is only 2 people in the home) the gross family income to qualify is $6,522.00 for a three month period. For a family of 4 the gross family income to qualify is $9,591.00. If you know a veteran who is in need tell them to go and see TRI-CAP.

Medicare D continues to be a hot topic. I have enclosed some additional information with this news letter. Along with last months information it is all very confusing to say the least. The bottom line is this "if you the veteran are using the VAMC for you medical care you do not have to sign up for Medicare D. If you are a retiree or the spouse of a veteran who is on CHAMPVA you do not have to sign up for Medicare D either. Using the mail in pharmacy is by far better than the Medicare D.