Phil's List

Connecting Union County

Resources • Events • Ways to Help • Community Updates

Tag: seniors

  • It’s Never Too Late to Learn: Adult Literacy Resources in Union County

    Reading a job application, writing an email, or helping a child with homework can feel easier with stronger reading and writing skills. For adults who want to build those skills, taking the first step can open new possibilities.

    Phil’s List brings together adult literacy and basic skills resources for Union County, North Carolina, residents—making it easier to find a place to start.

    Find Support Close to Home

    South Piedmont Community College offers free adult literacy tutoring for people who want to improve their English reading and writing. The college also provides no-cost classes in basic skills, English as a Second Language, and high school equivalency preparation.

    Central Piedmont Community College offers additional options, including free English language classes and college and career readiness programs.

    Practice at Your Own Pace

    Prefer to learn from home? The Phil’s List resource page includes online tools for reading, writing, math, English, and computer skills. These resources can help learners fit practice into everyday life.

    Help Someone Take the Next Step

    You may be looking for support for yourself, a family member, or a friend. You may also want to volunteer as a literacy tutor. Whatever brings you here, a simple conversation can be the beginning of something meaningful.

    Explore the Adult Literacy and Basic Skills resources on Phil’s List for program contacts and learning tools. Contact individual providers to confirm current schedules and enrollment details.

    Your next chapter can begin with one small step.

  • Churches and Nonprofits, can you schedule Free Mobile Dental Clinics?

    Baptists on Mission operates three mobile dental units that travel to churches and community organizations, offering basic dental services to people who might otherwise go without care.

    What dental services are free?

    Volunteer dental professionals provide:

    • Dental cleanings
    • Fillings
    • Simple tooth extractions

    These services are provided at no charge to patients.

    The mobile clinics do not offer crowns, root canals, implants, dentures, or partial dentures.

    How do the clinics work?

    Baptists on Mission provides the mobile dental units, equipment, and support teams. Local churches and community organizations host the clinics and recruit volunteer dental professionals.

    Clinics are held throughout North Carolina, often on weekends.

    Important: There is no single statewide appointment calendar. Each sponsoring organization handles its own scheduling, and services depend on the volunteers available.

    How can I find a free dental clinic?

    Baptists on Mission — Free Mobile Dental Care

    Could your church help bring a clinic to Union County?

    Churches and community organizations can also help make this service available locally by sponsoring a mobile dental clinic.

    Baptists on Mission provides the dental unit, while local sponsors help organize the event, recruit volunteer dental professionals, and schedule patients.

    Organizations interested in sponsoring a clinic can contact:

    Krissy Watson, Dental Ministry Coordinator

    Phone: 919-459-5603
    Email: kwatson@ncbaptist.org

  • Medicare Prescription Drug Costs Are Changing in 2027: Here’s What to Know

    If you have Medicare prescription drug coverage, there are two important changes coming in 2027.

    The maximum annual deductible is increasing to $700, and the annual out-of-pocket limit is rising to $2,400.

    Here’s what that means for your wallet.

    What’s changing?

    Medicare Part D20262027
    Maximum deductible$615$700
    Annual out-of-pocket limit$2,100$2,400

    The deductible: This is what you may have to pay for covered prescriptions before your plan begins sharing certain costs. Not every plan charges the full $700. Some have lower deductibles or none at all.

    The out-of-pocket limit: Once your qualifying prescription drug spending reaches $2,400 in 2027, you won’t have additional out-of-pocket costs for covered Part D prescriptions for the rest of the calendar year.

    Keep in mind that the $2,400 limit does not include monthly insurance premiums, drugs that aren’t covered by Part D, or other medical expenses.

    Now is a good time to review your Medicare coverage

    Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7, 2026.

    Even if you’re happy with your current plan, it’s worth checking whether your medications, pharmacy, and costs will change next year.

    You can compare plans at Medicare.gov.

    Free Medicare help for Union County residents

    Confused about Medicare? You don’t have to figure it out alone.

    North Carolina’s Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling.

    Call 855-408-1212, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    Counselors can help you understand prescription drug plans, compare coverage, and learn whether you qualify for assistance with Medicare costs.

    Learn more about North Carolina SHIIP.

    Know someone on Medicare? Share this reminder. Reviewing prescription drug coverage before December 7 could help avoid unexpected costs in 2027.

    Phil’s List — Connecting Union County with resources, events, and ways to help. #UnionCountyNC