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September 2026
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Celebrating 250 years of American independence and 128 years of caring for our neighbors at home. Dear Friends, As we celebrate Independence Day and the 250th anniversary of our nation's founding, we are reminded that America's strength has always been rooted in service, compassion, and community. At the Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey, we are proud to carry those values forward. Since 1898, VNANNJ has been helping individuals and families receive the care they need in the comfort of home. As the longest-serving Visiting Nurse Association in New Jersey, we have had the privilege of serving our communities through times of prosperity, challenge, and change for more than 128 years. This Fourth of July, we honor not only the vision of those who founded our nation in 1776, but also the generations of caregivers, patients, supporters, and community partners who have strengthened our mission since 1898. Thank you for being part of that legacy. We wish you and your loved ones a safe, healthy, and meaningful Independence Day. Warm regards, Faith Scott President & CEO Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is a leading provider of comprehensive home health care and hospice services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, Warren, Passaic, and Somerset Counties in Northern New Jersey. Established in 1898, generations have known that just one call to VNA opens the door to quality, patient-centered home health care solutions that allow patients to remain in the comfort of their homes with dignity, health, and independence. © All content on The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey's website, including blog posts, may be reproduced only if attributed to our organization with a link to vnannj.org.
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Reminder to men: Put health first June is National Men’s Health Month, a time to raise awareness about the health challenges facing men and boys and to encourage preventive care that can save lives. Early detection is one of the most powerful tools we have against heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and other serious conditions. Yet, too often, men delay routine checkups, screenings, or conversations about their health. Regular monitoring of blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar can help identify problems before they become life-changing. Men’s Health Month also shines a light on mental health. Millions of men experience depression, anxiety, or emotional distress, often without seeking help. Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness. It is often said that you can’t take care of others if you don’t take care of yourself first. This month is Father’s Day. What better month to encourage the men in our lives and in our community to take simple but important steps:
NOTE: Always consult with your doctor before starting an exercise or diet program. Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is a leading provider of comprehensive home health care and hospice services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, Warren, Passaic, and Somerset Counties in Northern New Jersey. Established in 1898, generations have known that just one call to VNA opens the door to quality, patient-centered home health care solutions that allow patients to remain in the comfort of their homes with dignity, health, and independence. © All content on The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey's website, including blog posts, may be reproduced only if attributed to our organization with a link to vnannj.org.
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Medicare costs are up in 2026. Here is some information that might help. If your health insurance bill looks different this year, you're not imagining it. Two significant changes took effect in 2026 that affect seniors and older adults across Northern New Jersey, and we want you to know about information that might be helpful. IF YOU HAVE MEDICARE Medicare Part B premiums rose nearly 10% recently, while the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment came in at just 2.8%. What you can do: Check if you qualify for a Medicare Savings Program. These NJ state programs can pay your Part B premium, potentially saving you more than $2,400 a year. Call The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for free, unbiased counseling: 1-800-792-8820. Ask about lower drug prices: Medicare negotiated reduced costs on high-use medications for heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disease. Ask your pharmacist if your prescriptions are affected. Apply for Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy): This federal program can significantly reduce what you pay for prescription drugs. A VNANNJ Medical Social Worker can guide you. Contact your representatives: Not only do Medicare costs continue to increase, but funding for home health care is reduced every year. Contact your representatives and express your concerns. IF YOU'RE AGES 60–64 (NOT YET ON MEDICARE) The enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies that helped millions of Americans afford marketplace health insurance expired on December 31, 2025. The ACA itself remains in place, but the extra financial assistance that reduced premiums is gone, and many people are seeing their monthly costs double or more. What you can do: Review your current plan immediately. If you were automatically re-enrolled, you may be paying a higher premium than you realize. Log in to healthcare.gov or call NJ SHIP at 1-800-792-8820 for free help reviewing your options. Check if you qualify for NJ FamilyCare. Depending on your household income, you may be eligible for New Jersey's Medicaid program. Visit nj.gov/humanservices or call 1-800-701-0710. As a nonprofit, Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNANNJ) helps patients fund home health care if they are unable to pay. Our Foundation exists to help everyone in our community receive the home health care they deserve. Did you know that Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNANNJ) is the longest-serving VNA in the state of New Jersey? So we know a thing or two about healthy aging and how to successfully “age in place” while avoiding hospitalization and nursing homes. We suggest that you learn more about our home health care services and make a plan to age at home before you have a health emergency. Medicare and supplemental insurance often do not cover all the care our patients and caregivers need. If you would like to help, please visit vnannj.org/donate or call VNA Foundation at 973-451-4148. The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNANNJ) is a leading provider of comprehensive home health care services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, Warren, Somerset, and Passaic counties in Northern New Jersey. Established in 1898, generations have known that just one call opens the door to quality, patient-centered home health care solutions that allow patients to remain in the comfort of their homes with dignity, health, and independence. © All content on The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey's website, including blog posts, may be reproduced only if attributed to our organization with a link to vnannj.org.
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Join VNANNJ in Supporting Families and Advancing Care More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, and millions more are caring for someone they love who suffers from the disease. This June, Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNANNJ) stands with families facing the daily challenges of memory loss and cognitive decline. As part of Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, we’re drawing focus on the importance of early diagnosis, brain health, and compassionate in-home care for those affected. Whether it’s skilled nursing, home health aides, or caregiver support, our team provides the personalized care and guidance families need to navigate Alzheimer’s and related conditions. Learn more about private care here. Learn more about respite care for caregivers here. Your path to a healthier brain starts with everyday choices that add up over time. Ready to take charge of your brain health? Sign up here for the (re)think your brain™ 6-Step Challenge, provided by the Alzheimer's Association. Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is a leading provider of comprehensive home health care and hospice services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, Warren, Passaic, and Somerset Counties in Northern New Jersey. Established in 1898, generations have known that just one call to VNA opens the door to quality, patient-centered home health care solutions that allow patients to remain in the comfort of their homes with dignity, health, and independence. Did you know that Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is the longest-serving VNA in the state of New Jersey? So we know a thing or two about healthy aging and how to successfully “age in place” while avoiding hospitalization and nursing homes. We suggest that you learn more about our home health care services and make a plan to age at home before you have a health emergency. Medicare and supplemental insurance often do not cover all the care our patients and caregivers need. If you would like to help, please visit vnannj.org/donate or call VNA Foundation at 973-451-4148. © All content on The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey's website, including blog posts, may be reproduced only if attributed to our organization with a link to vnannj.org. |