DELTA COUPLE GETS ADVICE … From Valerie Edwards at the Delta Library during a mid-morning appointment. Valerie arrived ready to help and spend confidential time with anyone who has questions or needs assistance. (PHOTO BY REBECCA MILLER, STAFF)
By: Rebecca Miller
Every month when the Fulton County Senior BZZZ is published, there is a little section that is entitled, “Where’s Val?” It informs those who need some council on Medicare, enrollment or general information, where they can schedule an appointment with Valerie Edwards.
“I grew up in Delta and love Fulton County,” Valerie shared. She is a 1982 graduate of Delta High School and got her degree in Education in 1986 from University of Toledo. Following her college graduation she taught at a Christian School in Toledo and then worked as Finance Director for Delta for about eighteen years. She has been with the Senior Center for close to five years and has been doing this specific job for the county as an OSHIIP volunteer for four years.
Her training though the Ohio Senior Health Insurance and Information Program has made her an excellent councilor and each week, no matter where she is physically located, her schedule is usually full of folks who have called ahead to make an appointment. She is also able to help people interested in learning to do what she does, to get the training to become a volunteer.
Working out of her main office at the Wauseon Senior Center, Val drives all over the county, meeting with seniors at libraries and senior centers, as well as Wyse Commons in Archbold. “I also will visit with people in their homes if they are unable to get out to any of our assigned meeting places,” Val explained.
The majority about which she councils pertains to Medicare… how to get enrolled, general information and some on social security. She often helps with filling out information online. Medicaid is also something she can help with, doing applications and explaining Medicare savings programs that are administered through the Medicaid system, better known as Part D drug plan enrollment.
Depending on the situation, she can fax things for seniors or help get things mailed occasionally. “I help with insurance, Social Security, applications, mail, and any other questions about health insurance,” Val said. “And if it is not in my perview I will refer them to who can help them.”
So, for all Fulton County Seniors, if you didn’t already know about Val, here’s a heads up to call 419-337-9299 and set up an appointment to get your Medicare questions handled with professionalism and understanding.
Rebecca can be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com
1 Comment
Does Val help with income taxes?