Smile! Kansas Mission of Mercy Free Annual Dental Clinic January 30th and 31st
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Making a difference for smiles in Kansas
Read More
News & Announcements
Medicare Basics Free Zoom Meetings January - April 2026
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Make better Medicare choices for yourself and loved ones.
Read More
MORE SUNFLOWER RAFFLES TO WIN!
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The 2025 Sunflower Fair ice cream is gone, but the Agency has two more raffles for you to win treat yourself. To celebrate the Agency’s “official” December 4 birthday, we’ll draw two winners for two special raffle prizes - the $1,200 Fully Guided Spring Turkey Hunt and the $700 NordicTrack 7.0 treadmill for your own home gym. Buy your tickets at your local senior center until December 1, 2025.
YOU NEED NOT BE PRESENT TO WIN! Turkey hunt tickets are $5 for one ticket, and NordicTrack tickets are 6 tickets for $5.
Kansas Silver-Haired Legislature Announces 2026 Priority Resolutions
/The Kansas Silver Haired Legislators have prioritized five key resolutions for legislators to consider in the 2026 legislative session.
They include: (1) Medical Cannabis Access - supporting Senate Bill 294; (2) Property Tax Relief for Seniors - Supporting Senate Bill 215 or similar legislation; 3) Preserving and Expanding Medicaid and Food Assistance; (4) Protecting Voting Rights for Kansas seniors; and (5) Supporting Collaborative Community-Based Senior Transportation
The Kansas Silver Haired Legislature was created by an Act of Congress in 1969 and established in Kansas in 1982 by Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 1649, the Kansas Silver Haired Legislature identifies priority concerns of Kansans aged 60 and older and develops legislation and policy recommendations for state leaders. Members are elected from all 105 Kansas counties and serve voluntarily to advocate on behalf of older Kansans.
Contributions to the Thanksliving Project welcome!
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Click below to open the Thanksliving donation form
Day of the cowboy
/Mark your calendars!
What reminds you of summer? Vacations? The rodeo? Ice cream?
Five drop in hands-on activities for all ages are included with museum admission:
summer haiku, cloudburst cyanotypes, vacation station monoprints, and make a
convertible car or moving bicycle sculpture. A FREE COWBOY/RODEO THEMED
PORTRAIT DRAWING ACTIVITY (in celebration of national Day of the Cowboy and the
Flint Hills Discovery Center) is available for all in the museum atrium! Drop by and say
howdy!
Happy Birthday to the Older Americans Act
/For 60 years, this law has quietly evolved with the needs of older adults, providing critical support services.
The Older Americans Act provides flexible funding to states that powers home-delivered meals, transportation assistance, senior center programs, protection from abuse and fraud, and even job training and employment opportunities for seniors.
Medicare Counseling Available in Manhattan at the North Central–Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging
/News Immediate Release
Date: Oct. 14, 2025
Contact: Julie Govert-Walter, Executive Director
Marlene VerBrugge, SHICK Coordinator
Phone: 785-776-9294 or 1-800-432-2703
Medicare Counseling Available in Manhattan at the North Central–Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging
The North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging announced today that appointments for Medicare Benefits Counseling are being accepted at the agency at 401 Houston Street in Manhattan.
Appointments with trained Senior Health Insurance Counselors for Kansas (SHICK) counselors are available on a space-available basis. Those seeking a time to talk to a Medicare benefits counselor should contact the agency at 1-800-432-2703 or 785-776-9294.
To best serve each person, those making appointments are asked to bring their Medicare number and a list of medications. Each person making an appointment is asked to keep their scheduled time. If re-scheduling is necessary, a call to 1-800-432-2703 should be made as soon as possible.
In-person appointments are also available at other locations with Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK) counselors throughout the Kansas heartland. In limited cases, appointments can also be completed over the phone or via Zoom. Call 1-800-432-2703 to schedule an appointment or inquire about other options. The Agency website – www.ncfhaaa.com - also lists enrollment events in the region and a list of SHICK counselors.
“SHICK counselors update their Medicare training every year with the goal of educating and assisting people in making informed, unbiased decisions about their health insurance,” Julie Govert Walter, North Central-Flint Hills AAA Executive Director, said.
“Every year most companies that provide Medicare insurance make significant changes to their Medicare prescription drug plans—this means drug formularies and participating pharmacies may change—and there are changes in Medicare, too.”
Walter said that SHICK counseling is available at no cost, however, voluntary donations to support and expand this service are welcomed and appreciated.
Medicare’s Open Enrollment season that happens between October 15 and December 7 is the time when older Kansans and caregivers should “shop” for their Medicare coverage and plans that will become effective January 1, 2026. Kansas Area Agencies on Aging have coordinated SHICK counseling throughout the state since 1995.
The North Central-Flint Hills Agency on Aging is a private, non-profit organization that plans, coordinates and provides services in 18 north-central Kansas counties to enhance the quality and dignity of life for older Kansans, people living with disabilities and their families. Area Agency on Aging programs and services are partially funded by the Older Americans Act through the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services and voluntary participant contributions. The Area Agency on Aging works in partnership with local and county governments and senior citizens groups. All services are available without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. For further information, contact NC-FH AAA SHICK Coordinator Marlene VerBrugge at 785-776-9294 or via email at marlenev@ncfhaaa.com.
An overview of when the cuts to basic needs programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, and student loans and other provisions in the Republicans’ OBBBA go into effect.
/An overview of when the cuts to basic needs programs such as Medicaid,
Medicare, SNAP, and student loans and other provisions in the Republicans’
OBBBA go into effect.
https://www.americanprogress.org/article/the-implementation-timeline-of-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-
act/
This article was published on July 29, 2025.
The Center for American Progress (https://www.americanprogress.org) is an independent,
nonpartisan policy institute that is dedicated to improving the lives of all Americans through
bold, progressive ideas, as well as strong leadership and concerted action. Our aim is not just to
change the conversation, but to change the country.
As progressives, we believe America should be a land of boundless opportunity, where people
can climb the ladder of economic mobility. We believe we owe it to future generations to protect
the planet and promote peace and shared global prosperity. And we believe an effective
government can earn the trust of the American people, champion the common good over narrow
self-interest, and harness the strength of our diversity.
Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Worksheet
/Click below to access the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Worksheet.
Onaga, Wamego, Junction City Press Release 2025
/News Immediate Release
Date: Oct. 8, 2025
Contact: Julie Govert-Walter, Executive Director
Marlene VerBrugge, SHICK Coordinator
Phone: 785-776-9294 or 1-800-432-2703
Medicare Counseling Events Slated for Onaga, Wamego, Junction City
The North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging announced today that appointments for Medicare Benefits Counseling are being accepted for Outreach Events at locations in Onaga, Wamego, and Junction City
Appointments with trained Senior Health Insurance Counselors for Kansas (SHICK) counselors are available on a space-available each day from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.
Those seeking a time to talk to a Medicare benefits counselor should contact the location’s phone number listed here:
Onaga Senior Center – Thursday, Oct. 16, 200 Bypass Rd., Onaga, call 785-889-4402
Wamego Senior Center – Friday, Oct. 17, 501 Ash St., Wamego, call 785-456-2260
Geary County Senior Center – Wednesday, Oct. 22, 1025 S. Spring Valley Rd, Junction City, call 785-238-4015
Due to the severely limited number of SHICK counselors available, those making appointments are asked to bring their Medicare number and a complete and up-to-date list of medications. Each person making an appointment is asked to keep their scheduled times. If re-scheduling is necessary, a call to 1-800-432-2703 should be made as soon as possible.
In-person appointments are also available at other locations with Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK) counselors throughout the Kansas heartland. Appointments can also be completed over the phone or via Zoom. Call 1-800-432-2703 to schedule an appointment or inquire about other options. The Agency website – www.ncfhaaa.com - also lists enrollment events in the region and a list of SHICK counselors.
“SHICK counselors update their Medicare training every year with the goal of educating and assisting people in making informed, unbiased decisions about their health insurance,” Julie Govert Walter, North Central-Flint Hills AAA Executive Director, said.
“Every year most companies that provide Medicare insurance make significant changes to their Medicare prescription drug plans—this means drug formularies and participating pharmacies may change—and there are changes in Medicare, too.”
Walter said that SHICK counseling is available at no cost, however, voluntary donations to support and expand this service are welcomed and appreciated.
Medicare’s Open Enrollment season that happens between October 15 and December 7 is the time when older Kansans and caregivers should “shop” for their Medicare coverage and plans that will become effective January 1, 2026. Kansas Area Agencies on Aging have coordinated SHICK counseling throughout the state since 1995.
The North Central-Flint Hills Agency on Aging is a private, non-profit organization that plans, coordinates and provides services in 18 north-central Kansas counties to enhance the quality and dignity of life for older Kansans, people living with disabilities and their families. Area Agency on Aging programs and services are partially funded by the Older Americans Act through the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services and voluntary participant contributions. The Area Agency on Aging works in partnership with local and county governments and senior citizens groups. All services are available without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. For further information, contact NC-FH AAA SHICK Coordinator Marlene VerBrugge at 785-776-9294 or via email at marlenev@ncfhaaa.com.
Lyon County Press Release 2025
/News Immediate Release
Date: Oct. 9, 2025
Contact: Julie Govert-Walter, Executive Director
Marlene VerBrugge, SHICK Coordinator
Phone: 785-776-9294 or 1-800-432-2703
Medicare Counseling Events Slated for Lyon County
The North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging announced today that appointments for Medicare Benefits Counseling are being accepted for Outreach Events at several locations in Lyon County.
Appointments with trained Senior Health Insurance Counselors for Kansas (SHICK) counselors are available on a space-available each day. Appointment times vary by location.
Those seeking a time to talk to a Medicare benefits counselor should call this number for all locations.
Call the Friendship Center in Emporia at 1-620-340-8001
Allen Senior Center – Thursday, Oct. 23, 423 Main St., Allen
Hartford Library – Friday, Oct. 24, 224 Commercial, Hartford
Americus Library – Tuesday, Nov. 4, 710 Main St., Americus
Neosho Rapids Community Building – Wednesday, Nov. 5, 238 N. Main St, Neosho Rapids
Olpe Fire Department – Monday, Nov. 10, 204 Bitler St, Olpe
Bowyer Building, Wednesday, Nov. 18 and Thursday, Nov. 19, 2700 US-50, Emporia
Friendship Center, Thursday, Nov. 20, 221 W. Logan Ave., Emporia
In order to best serve each person, those making appointments are asked to bring their Medicare number and a complete and up-to-date list of medications. Each person making an appointment is asked to keep their scheduled times. If re-scheduling is necessary, a call to 1-620-340-8001 should be made as soon as possible.
In-person appointments are also available at other locations with Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK) counselors throughout the Kansas heartland. Appointments can also be completed over the phone or via Zoom. Call 1-800-432-2703 to schedule an appointment or inquire about other options. The Agency website – www.ncfhaaa.com - also lists enrollment events in the region and a list of SHICK counselors.
“SHICK counselors update their Medicare training every year with the goal of educating and assisting people in making informed, unbiased decisions about their health insurance,” Julie Govert Walter, North Central-Flint Hills AAA Executive Director, said.
“Every year most companies that provide Medicare insurance make significant changes to their Medicare prescription drug plans—this means drug formularies and participating pharmacies may change—and there are changes in Medicare, too.”
Walter said that SHICK counseling is available at no cost, however, voluntary donations to support and expand this service are welcomed and appreciated.
Medicare’s Open Enrollment season that happens between October 15 and December 7 is the time when older Kansans and caregivers should “shop” for their Medicare coverage and plans that will become effective January 1, 2026. Kansas Area Agencies on Aging have coordinated SHICK counseling throughout the state since 1995.
The North Central-Flint Hills Agency on Aging is a private, non-profit organization that plans, coordinates and provides services in 18 north-central Kansas counties to enhance the quality and dignity of life for older Kansans, people living with disabilities and their families. Area Agency on Aging programs and services are partially funded by the Older Americans Act through the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services and voluntary participant contributions. The Area Agency on Aging works in partnership with local and county governments and senior citizens groups. All services are available without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. For further information, contact NC-FH AAA SHICK Coordinator Marlene VerBrugge at 785-776-9294 or via email at marlenev@ncfhaaa.com.
Abilene, Salina, Minneapolis Press Release 2025
/News Immediate Release
Date: Oct. 8, 2025
Contact: Julie Govert-Walter, Executive Director
Marlene VerBrugge, SHICK Coordinator
Phone: 785-776-9294 or 1-800-432-2703
Medicare Counseling Events Slated for Abilene, Salina, Minneapolis
The North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging announced today that appointments for Medicare Benefits Counseling are being accepted for Outreach Events at locations in Abilene, Minneapolis and Salina.
Appointments with trained Senior Health Insurance Counselors for Kansas (SHICK) counselors are available on a space-available each day from 9 am to 3:30 pm.
Those seeking a time to talk to a Medicare benefits counselor should contact the location’s phone number listed here:
Abilene Senior Center at 100 N. Elm St., Tuesday, Oct. 21, call 785-263-7059.
Salina Senior Center at 245 N. Ninth St., Salina: Thursday, Oct. 23 & Wednesday, Nov. 12, call
785-823-1277 or 1-800-432-2703.
Minneapolis The Golden Wheel at 114 S. Concord St; Tuesday, Oct. 28, call 785-392-3338.
Due to the severely limited number of SHICK counselors available, those making appointments are asked to bring their Medicare number and a complete and up-to-date list of medications. Each person making an appointment is asked to keep their scheduled times. If re-scheduling is necessary, a call to 1-800-432-2703 should be made as soon as possible.
In-person appointments are also available at other locations with Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK) counselors throughout the Kansas heartland. Appointments can also be completed over the phone or via Zoom. Call 1-800-432-2703 to schedule an appointment or inquire about other options. The Agency website – www.ncfhaaa.com - also lists enrollment events in the region and a list of SHICK counselors.
“SHICK counselors update their Medicare training every year with the goal of educating and assisting people in making informed, unbiased decisions about their health insurance,” Julie Govert Walter, North Central-Flint Hills AAA Executive Director, said.
“Every year most companies that provide Medicare insurance make significant changes to their Medicare prescription drug plans—this means drug formularies and participating pharmacies may change—and there are changes in Medicare, too.”
Walter said that SHICK counseling is available at no cost, however, voluntary donations to support and expand this service are welcomed and appreciated.
Medicare’s Open Enrollment season that happens between October 15 and December 7 is the time when older Kansans and caregivers should “shop” for their Medicare coverage and plans that will become effective January 1, 2026. Kansas Area Agencies on Aging have coordinated SHICK counseling throughout the state since 1995.
The North Central-Flint Hills Agency on Aging is a private, non-profit organization that plans, coordinates and provides services in 18 north-central Kansas counties to enhance the quality and dignity of life for older Kansans, people living with disabilities and their families. Area Agency on Aging programs and services are partially funded by the Older Americans Act through the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services and voluntary participant contributions. The Area Agency on Aging works in partnership with local and county governments and senior citizens groups. All services are available without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. For further information, contact NC-FH AAA SHICK Coordinator Marlene VerBrugge at 785-776-9294 or via email at marlenev@ncfhaaa.com.
Upcoming AOK Seminars and Events
/The NC-FH AAA’s Answers for Older Kansans (AOK) seminars provide helpful, trustworthy information to caregivers, older Kansans, and people living with disabilities. All seminars are free to attend – your voluntary contributions are always welcomed and appreciated and used to support our work. **Schedule is subject to change.
To register or to learn more about AOK seminars, visit www.ncfhaaa/seminars.com or call 1-800-432-2703.
Medicare Basics: All are Zoom meetings. Free to attend. Must register in advance. Call or go online at ncfhaaa.com/seminars to register.
September 24 and 25: via Zoom (Parts 1 and 2), 5:30 – 7:00
October 1 and 2: via Zoom (Parts 1 and 2), 5:30 – 7:00
October 22 and 23: via Zoom (Parts 1 and 2), 5:30 – 7:00
November 5 and 6: via Zoom (Parts 1 and 2), 5:30 – 7:00
December 10 and 11: via Zoom (Parts 1 and 2), 5:30 – 7:00
SHICK Training: (Must pre-register with KDADS) Call 1-800-432-2703 for details.
September 24: via Zoom – Initial SHICK Counselor Training-Day 1, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
September 25: via Zoom – Initial SHICK Counselor Training-Day 2, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
September 26: via Zoom – Update SHICK Counselor Training, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
KVOE radio: Medicare Minute will be on Wednesday, September 24 at 8:40 a.m.
Your Ideas Welcomed!
Are there presentations on topics you would like to learn more about? Please let us know! Call us at 1-800-432-2703, connect with us at www.ncfhaaa.com or send an email to ncfhaaa@ncfhaaa.com.
Check our Facebook page for updates and happenings hosted by the NC-FH AAA!
Want to show your support for the NC-FH AAA?
Write your legislators and tell them how the NC-FH AAA has helped you!
Write and tell us your story. Let us know that you permit us to share your story with others.
Donations to support our work always welcomed!
Sunflower Fair Raffle Tickets Only Available In-Person at the fair
/If you needed one more reason to celebrate the 50th birthday of the North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging (NC-FHAAA) in person, it’s to purchase a winning ticket for the 50-50 raffle.
Raffle tickets are only available for purchase at the fair itself, and are not for sale on the website. Bring your lucky “money” to the fair in person and purchase a winner!
Senior Farmers Market Applications Now Accepted
/Watch your mail! If you requested an application for the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, the application is in the mail! If you would like to apply, call the agency at 785-776-9294 or email www.ncfhaaa.com
Older Kansans Employment Program Opportunity
/Click below to access the OKEP flyer
July 2025 Caregiver Newsletter
/Click below to access the July 2025 Caregiver Newsletter
