Toni E. Walker

If you may be affected by the changes made to the Medicare Savings programs, there is good news. The Department of Social Services is delaying the income eligibility reductions for the programs.

The changes were supposed to go into effect on Jan. 1, but now they’re being delayed at least two months so the legislature and state officials can come up with an acceptable plan to reduce the impact on seniors.

Those who are potentially affected by the lower income eligibility levels are encouraged to call the CHOICES program for health insurance assistance provided by the state Department on Aging at 800-994-8422.