It’s time to get your financial house in order
Originally published February 9, 2017
By now, many residents are receiving the familiar envelopes with “Important Tax Information” labeled on them. Forms including W-2s, 1099s, 1098s, etc. are sent out just after the first of the year, and need to be organized for tax time. Although Tax Day, (April 18th, seems far off, time quickly passes and the crunch for preparing taxes creeps up.
Jackie Boyd, public information manager for the Orland Park Public Library, said the library has tax forms on hand starting Jan. 23, the first day that the State of Illinois made them available. Residents may pick up copies of necessary forms from the tables located on the second floor of the library in the Adult Services section. Forms are readily available; however, the library does not assist in preparation of tax documents. They may be able to direct patrons where to access necessary information.
Tax season may also be a great time for Orland Parkers to get their financial house in order. The library has a new database, Financial Ratings Series Online, which provides information from Weiss Ratings and The Street Ratings. It is published by Grey House Publishing, and can be accessed through the Library website at: http://www.orlandparklibrary.org
Head of Adult Services at the library, Andy Masura, said the new financial website provides more information than the previous Morningstar product. Consumer guides provide information on auto and homeowner insurance, elder and long term care, medical prescription drug coverage and the Medigap program, among other comparisons. It also includes specific mutual fund performance tools, and other information that may help when making decisions during tax season, as well as financial ratings of stocks, bonds, and other financial tools.
Remember, Benjamin Franklin said, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” Put time into educating yourself before making any investment decisions.
Orland Township offers opportunities to save money and make wise financial and medical coverage decisions, as well as offering discounts for certain programs and assistance for those experiencing financial hardship, according to Mary Hastings, administrator for Orland Township.
She said township residents experiencing financial hardship should explore the General Assistance program, which helps residents meet basic needs until employment or another source of income — Social Security, disability, or public aid — is obtained. Food and pet pantries, senior transportation, and health seminars can be accessed in times of need.
An Emergency Assistance Program grants short-term financial aid to individuals and families to offset life-threatening circumstances until those affected return to self-sufficiency. Some of the programs offer relief for mortgage, rent, and utility bill assistance.
The Senior Health Insurance Program helps seniors with Medicare clams. Counselors, who are trained and certified through the Illinois Department of Insurance, are available by appointment to help residents explore their options and answer questions.
Persons with Disabilities and Senior Citizens may receive reduced fees for certain items through the Benefit Access Program (formerly Circuit Breaker Program). This program, through the Department of Aging, provides for reduced fee license plate stickers, and Free Transit Ride programs for seniors and persons with disabilities. To receive these benefits, an application must be submitted online www.Illinois.gov/aging.
A family of four with an income less than $72,900, no insurance coverage or a high deductible (over $500) may be eligible for Access to Care. Those who are eligible for Medicaid, Medicare, All Kids, CountyCare or FamilyCare must apply for these programs first. If they are denied coverage, they can then apply for Access to Care.
This program is a non-profit primary health care program for low-income, uninsured and underinsured individuals living in suburban Cook County and northwest Chicago. The program is administered by the Suburban Primary Health Care Council.
According to information on their website, “Access to Care contracts with local providers throughout Cook County and pays them a discounted rate to provide services. Participating physicians choose the number of patients they will add to their practice. They are nominally compensated.”
Coast2Coast Rx Card is a free discount prescription card program offered to Orland Township residents. There are no age, income, or other exclusions and no forms. Brand name and generic drugs are available. The card may also be used for savings on dental, vision, hearing, diabetic supplies and lab and imaging tests.
More information on services provided by Orland Township, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave., is at 708-403-4222 or www.orlandtownship.org.