DEAR SUN SPOTS: An advertisement on television stated that Medicare will give some things like medical alarms and eye glasses. Would you check to see if it’s okay to call. I don’t want to get mixed up in something I should not. The phone number given was 1-800-270-9470. Thank you for all you do. — No Name via mail.

ANSWER: Sun Spots is glad that you wrote and asked your question. Sun Spots called the phone number you provided and got a recorded message that said, “This number is temporarily unavailable.” If you want to learn more about Medicare and what it offers, its phone number is 1-800-633-4227. 

From Medicare’s website comes this information: “Medicare covers services (like lab tests, surgeries, and doctor visits) and supplies (like wheelchairs and walkers) considered medically necessary to treat a disease or condition.”

About eyeglasses: “Generally, Medicare doesn’t cover eyeglasses or contact lenses. However, following cataract surgery that implants an intraocular lens, Medicare Part B (medical insurance) helps pay for corrective lenses (one pair of eyeglasses or one set of contact lenses). You pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount for one pair of eyeglasses or one set of contact lenses after each cataract surgery with an intraocular lens.”

Sun Spots could not find information about Medicare paying for medical alarms. You should call the number Sun Spots has provided. Some people pay more for Preferred Provider Organization plans which aren’t the same as the original Medicare or a Medicare Supplement Insurance policy.

Seniors searching for free services or government assistance can ask these questions of their local Office for the Aging, Lions Club or Meals on Wheels. SeniorsPlus at 8 Falcon Road in Lewiston, 207-795-4010, is the Androscoggin County’s Area Agency on Aging. Try calling them to learn more and good luck!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Fairbanks School Neighborhood Association in Farmington will host their Annual Craft Fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14. We have a few tables available for vendors. Tables are $20 each. Tables will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. For more details, contact Mary O’Donal at 207-778-3267 or Cindy Kemble at 207-778-3808. Fairbanks School is located on  Route 4 north. We are handicapped accessible. Thank you Sun Spots for all you do for people especially our nonprofit organizations.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have a small organ to give away to a church or school. Call or email Kevin Nasatowicz at knasatowicz@roadrunner.com or 207-364-4897.

Use the QR code to go to Sun Spots online for additional information and links. This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com, tweeted @SJ_SunSpots or posted on the Sun Spots facebook page at facebook.com/SunJournalSunSpots. This column can also be read online at sunjournal.com/sunspots. We’ve joined Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/sj_sunspots.