Missoula Aging Services brings spring services to Seeley Lake

Missoula, Mont. — Welcome Melani Best! As spring arrives, Missoula Aging Services (MAS) is excited to introduce a new team member who will work onsite to connect older adults in the Seeley Lake community with valuable resources. Please welcome Melani Best, the new Rural Resource Specialist in Seeley Lake.

Best says, “I look forward to assisting the older residents of Seeley Lake and supporting their independence.”

The new Resource Specialist brings a heartfelt commitment to helping others to her position. A Seeley Lake native who returned to the area, Best’s previous experience includes work with the Seeley Lake Community Foundation and with Mayor John Engen in Missoula. Best and her husband have six children and two grandchildren who bring her great joy. In her free time, she enjoys crafting, scrapbooking and spending time outdoors, especially fishing with her husband.

Important deadlines this spring include the filing date for the Montana Elderly Homeowner/Renter Tax Credit. This tax relief program offers a credit of up to $1,150 for individuals who own or rent a home in Montana, even if they don’t earn income. Eligible individuals must be 62 years or older, have lived in Montana for at least nine months and in the same home for at least six months and have a household income under $45,000. Many older adults miss out on this refund because they don’t file a tax return since they don’t make any income. To get the refund, you must file your income taxes, even if you made no income last year.

Best says, “The Montana Elderly Homeowner/Renter Credit program offers significant tax relief. Older residents in the Seeley-Swan Valley should make an appointment so that we can determine eligibility and file for the tax credit refund.”

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment period runs from Jan. 1 to March 31. During this time, individuals enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan can switch to Original Medicare or choose a different plan. MAS’s Resource Specialist is available to help review current coverage, explore options, and make informed decisions about healthcare in one-on-one appointments.

MAS offers a variety of additional services for older adults in Seeley Lake, including caregiver support, Meals on Wheels and more.

Best says, “I’m excited to serve the residents of Seeley Lake, especially helping to navigate through and to programs that could benefit people financially.”

If you would like assistance with the Montana Elderly Homeowner/Renter Tax Credit, Meals on Wheels, or have questions about other programs and ways MAS can help, contact Melani Best at the Seeley Lake Community Foundation office by calling (406) 728-7682, or email mbest@missoulaagingservices.org. You can also leave a message in the secure box in the Foundation building’s lobby. This spring, access the resources you need to stay healthy, active and engaged!

About Missoula Aging Services: Missoula Aging Services promotes the independence, dignity and health of older adults and those who care for them, MAS empowers older adults and their families and caregivers through programs, services, volunteer opportunities and education to continue to live independently at home, for as long as possible.