The Seniors Voice

Volume 10, No. 3 SUMMER, 2013 CONTENTS

Welcoming New RAAA Executive Director

Leigh Wade
On April 8, 2013, Leigh Wade became the Executive Director of the Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging, Inc. Prior to working with the Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging team, Leigh was the Executive Director for Senior Choices, an Area Agency on Aging in Southwest Florida. During her tenure with Senior Choices, she was responsible for a $20 million dollar operation covering seven counties. She was able to implement some new and innovative programs including the Veterans Directed Home and Community Based Services. Leigh is excited about her move and is looking forward to working with the leaders in Planning and Service Area 16. Staff has enjoyed getting to know Leigh and is enthusiastic about the future of the RAAA. Local business people are equally impressed that Leigh brings a new sense of community to the areas aging network. Much work is needed to prepare our area for the increase in the aging population, says Valerie Hopson-Bell, Owner, ElderCare Connections. Both Hopson-Bell and Neda McGuire, Owner, Comfort Keepers are confident that Leigh will add to the team already in place and appreciate and welcome her sense of community. Leigh Wade, the staff of the RAAA and local businesses will all help to make RAAA the leading Agency on Aging in the State of Virginia.
Leigh Wade, far right, with staff of the RAAA. Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging

Leigh Wade, RAAA, Executive Director.........1 Durable Medical Equipment (Competitive Bidding Program).......2 Healthy Steps.....4 VisorAlert........5 Mobility Options Volunteer Driver Program....6 Thank You for Your Support.7 Medicaid Applications...8 Voter ID.......9 Renal Disease...10 Stafford County Family Day.11 Senior Caf News...13 Puzzle Page..14

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Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging

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CHANGES TO HOW YOU RECEIVE DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
Lets start off by saying that this program DOES NOT affect which doctors or hospital you can use. The following information pertains only to how a person can receive Durable Medical Equipment and have the cost covered by Medicare. What kinds of items are considered Durable Medical Equipment (DME)? Oxygen, oxygen equipment, and supplies Standard (power and manual) wheelchairs, scooters, and related accessories Enteral nutrients, equipment, and supplies Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) devices, respiratory assist devices (RADs) and related supplies and accessories Hospital beds and related accessories Walkers and related accessories Negative Pressure Wound Therapy pumps and related supplies and accessories Support surfaces (Group 2 mattresses and overlays) Starting in July 2013, Medicare is scheduled to change the way it pays for certain durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS). It also changes which suppliers Medicare will pay to supply these items to you. The program replaces the outdated, inflated prices Medicare is currently paying with more accurate, lower prices. As a result, your payment for these equipment and supplies should be lower than what you pay now. What do I need to do when the program starts? If you have Original Medicare you generally must use a Medicare contract supplier (or, if you're renting an item when the program starts, a grandfathered supplier) when you buy or rent certain durable medical equipment or supplies if you want Medicare to help you pay for the item. How will this new program save me money? The competitive bidding program helps save you money because when Medicare pays less, your 20% coinsurance payment will be less too. It's important

460 Lendall Lane Fredericksburg, VA 22405

Phone

540/371-3375 800/262-4012 in Caroline County

Fax

540/371-3384

Hours

MF, 8:00 am 4:30 pm

Website Email

www.raaa16.org info@raaa16.org

Service Areas

City of Fredericksburg Caroline County King George County Spotsylvania County Stafford County

The mission of the Aging Network is to enhance the quality of life for all older citizens. The Seniors Voice, Page 2

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to know that for any equipment or supplies that are included in the program, the Medicare contract supplier can only charge you the 20% coinsurance and any unmet yearly deductible. What if I'm currently renting or own medical equipment? If you're renting certain medical equipment or receiving oxygen or oxygen equipment that's paid on a monthly basis, you may be able to stay with your current supplier even if that supplier isn't a contract supplier. Suppliers that aren't Medicare contract suppliers can choose to become "grandfathered" suppliers. A "grandfathered" supplier may continue to rent equipment to you if you were renting it when the program starts. This rule applies only to oxygen, oxygen equipment, and certain rented equipment. If you're renting equipment that's eligible for grandfathering, your supplier will let you know in writing 30 business days before the program begins if it'll become a grandfathered supplier. If you already own medical equipment, you can use any Medicare-approved supplier for repairs. Before your equipment is serviced, make sure the supplier is Medicare-approved so the service may be covered. If your equipment needs to be replaced and it is part of this program, you must use a Medicare contract supplier for Medicare to pay. What do I need to do now? 1. All of Caroline, Fredericksburg, King George, Spotsylvania and Stafford are effected by this program; 2. Find out which suppliers are Medicare contract suppliers to make sure Medicare will help pay for your medical products and services. 3. To get this information: Visit Medicare.gov/supplier OR Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users should call 1-877-4862048 OR You can always call the Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging at 540-371-3375 and ask to speak to a VICAP (Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program) Counselor. Important: If you continue to use a non-contract supplier that isn't a grandfathered supplier for equipment or supplies that are part of the competitive bidding program, the supplier must give you an Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN). This notice tells you that Medicare usually won't pay for the item or service, and you may be responsible for paying the entire cost. A non-contract supplier is a supplier who isn't participating in this program.
Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging

Board Chairman Joey Lambert Advisory Council Chairman Karl Karch Executive Director Leigh Wade Senior Services Coordinator Pat Holland Nutrition Services Coordinator Robin Campbell LTC Ombudsman/ VICAP Linda Hamrick VICAP Assistant/ Hispanic Outreach Jazmine Alcazar Housing Inspector Lil Weston Weatherization Assistant Janie Wampler Mobility Manager Denis Paddeu Mobility Manager Assistant Jennifer Falknor Travel Trainer Don Engiles Transportation Coordinator Boyd Elliott Data Systems Administrator Yelena Gurfinkel CRIA Specialist Rachel McKain Receptionist Diane Johnson Michael Duvall

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HEALTHY STEPS PROGRAM AT THE STAFFORD SENIOR CAF

E W A R M X E R C I U P S E

Big thanks to Marlitt Pelaez, Stafford Meal Center Manager, Linda Edwards, KG Meal Center manager, and Joe Trigg, Fredericksburg Driver for becoming a certified trainer in the Healthy Steps Program.

C O O L

Healthy Steps is an evidence based program that D improves overall wellness, breathing techniques, O healing, range-of-motion, balance, strength and W endurance, as well as emotional well being and self-image. Healthy Steps is approved and recom- N mended by the US Administration on Aging. Having the Healthy Steps Program introduced to the seniors at RAAA has proven to be a great success. Site participants have become very comfortable and familiar with warming up, cardio exercise and the cooling down period. For the month of May and June new exercises were introduced that encourage balance and coordination. Progressive relaxation methods during our cool down period were also introduced. The site participants are encouraged to practice the exercise techniques when not at the site so they can get the full benefits of the Healthy Steps program. Site participants have enthusiastically shared that they see an improvement in their overall well being.

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VISOR ALERT: A PROGRAM THAT WORKS!
There are an estimated 615,000 deaf and hard of hearing citizens in Virginia, according to the Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Many of those persons may come in contact with police officers during a traffic stop, at a crime scene or a crash scene, or in the course of a police investigation. The safety of police officers, as well as of citizens who are deaf and hard of hearing, can be at risk when officers are unaware of this invisible disability and miscommunications occur. The project is a joint effort of the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police, the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (VDDHH) and advocates. VDDHH took on the responsibility for working with the advocacy groups to develop and distribute the visor and wallet cards to Virginia's deaf and hard of hearing citizens. Visor Alert cards and wallet cards with additional information about communication access are available from any VDDHH Outreach Specialist or from the VDDHH Central Office. Locally you can contact Arva Priola at the disAbility Resource Center (540) 645-5419 (Video Phone) (540) 373-5890 (Voice)

Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging

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Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging
MOBILITY OPTIONS VOLUNTEER DRIVER PROGRAM

Mobility Options, a transportation service of the Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging, announces it is recruiting area residents for a new Volunteer Driver Program. In an effort to provide a broad array of transportation alternatives for persons with disabilities who live in the four county (Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, Stafford and the City) Fredericksburg area volunteers are being sought who will have the opportunity to provide much needed transportation to riders for a variety of trip destinations including medical appointments, shopping, recreational outings and social engagements. Benefits to Volunteers Volunteers will have personal liability and vehicle insurance provided at no cost by the Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging through the State of Virginia Division of Risk Management. This insurance covers the volunteer and the vehicle while the rider is in the volunteer's car. The insurance is primary coverage and is not related in any way to insurance maintained by the vehicle owner which will be secondary. Volunteers will be paid a stipend of 25 cents per mile for miles traveled while the rider is in the volunteer's vehicle. Volunteer Driver mileage sheets, on which beginning and ending trip mileage is recorded, will be turned in on a biweekly basis for reimbursement. Flexible schedule based on the amount of time the volunteer wants to contribute to the program. Volunteer Drivers will have the knowledge that they are helping a fellow Fredericksburg area resident meet a critical need that in many cases would otherwise be unfulfilled. How to Apply Persons interested in becoming a volunteer driver should contact Mobility Options at 1-800-6272892 for additional information about the program and application forms.
Effective November 2011

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THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT
RAAA received a grant from The Elsie, Carroll and Willie Wheeler Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging, Inc. Fund of the Community Foundation in the amount of $2,388. These funds will be used to provide support to Agency programs.

RAAA thanks Virginia Home Care Partners for its donation of 400 printed Senior Resource Directories. These directories contain information and phone numbers for all things senior in the Federal, State and Local Governments, as well as many private companies. The most upto-date edition of the Senior Resource Directory can always be found on RAAAs website at www.raaa16.org. Heres a picture from last years St. Asaph's Episcopal Church Polar Bear Plunge. This year they raised $5,828 to help support RAAA with heating assistance for those in need in Caroline County.
We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily differences we can make which, over time, add up to big differences that we often cannot foresee. Marian Wright Edelman

Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging

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Applying for Medicaid and the Importance of Renewing Your Medicaid on Time
Jazmine Alcazar, RAAA

For many it can be hard to go through the initial process of applying for Medicaid. The application has several personal questions that have to be answered. Once the application is submitted to social services you will have to gather various information and verifications for the caseworker handling the application. The worker then has 45 days to process the application. After the worker starts to review the application, he or she will send out a notice requesting verifications that will need to be turned in to social services generally within 10 days. Following are some items you might need to provide when you receive the Request for Verifications notice in the mail: State ID, Drivers License, or Passport ; Health Insurance Cards (Examples Medicare, Medicaid, Private Insurance); Proof of Income; Bank Statements/Asset Information; Life Insurance Information; Available Cash; Burial Plots/ Burial Arrangement Information; Vehicle Information, In most cases, it is recommended to turn these items in in person (make a copy for them and hang onto the originals yourself). There is the option of mailing the verifications, but it would be wise to let the worker know that you have done so. Also if deciding to mail the verifications, keep in mind that the sooner you mail the better. The items might not make it to the social service office on time if mailed late. If you do not turn these items in on time, your application could be denied. Once the application is denied, a notice is sent out to the applicant. In most cases, you will need to file a whole new Medicaid application which starts the process all over again.

Medicaid Renewals:
Once you have Medicaid, you will have to renew every 6-12 months. Usually this process is not as difficult as when initially applying for the Medicaid. For renewals, you generally have 10 days to turn in the renewal application, to report any changes, and to turn updated income and resource information. What will happen if you do not submit the items on time? You could end up losing the Medicaid benefit and will have to start from the beginning. Therefore it is very important to turn in the items on time. t is also very important to advise your eligibility worker if moving. They need to know this information as soon as possible and is critical especially should the move occur when your case is up for renewal.

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Governor Signs Bill Requiring Photo ID to Vote
Virginia voters will have to show a photo ID at the polls next year under a bill signed by Gov. Bob McDonnell. The bill requires all voters to show a picture ID when they go to vote, and provides for voter registrars to issue free photo IDs to people who do not have an ID with a photo. McDonnell also issued an executive order directing the state Board of Elections to engage in a robust voter outreach campaign to make sure voters know that after July 1, 2014, a photo ID will be required to vote and that free IDs are available. Voters who have them will also be able to use a drivers license, a passport, or a student or employee ID with their picture and name on it. In an interview on WTOP radio, McDonnell said he thinks photo IDs are the best way to make sure the person thats appearing at the poll is who they say they are. He said that requiring a photo ID but providing it for free is the proper balance (to) make sure no ones right to vote is encumbered in any burdensome way. Providing free photo IDs and informing voters of the new requirement is estimated to cost $854,000 over the next few years. In the upcoming November election for Virginias next Governor, the current ID rules allow many types of documents to be used. Photo IDs, utility bills and even your Medicare card are acceptable forms of ID. Although there is no need to rush right out and get a valid Voter ID, make plans to comply with the new law. If you need help in doing this you can call your local Voter Registration Office or as with anything else, you can call the RAAA at 540371-3375.

Pet Food Drive

The Stafford County SPCA, St. Setons Orphaned Animals and the Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging have teamed up to feed the pets of the elderly. Our senior citizens need your help NOW! Our pet food bank is desperately low. The Freelance Star has reported seniors are surrendering their animals BECAUSE THEY CANNOT FEED THEM! We are once again seeing Home Delivered Meal containers in the yards of the Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging clients. Its awful when our elderly must choose between feeding themselves or their best friends. Often, a pet is their best and only friend. We will graciously accept whatever you can donate. If you wish to drop off pet food, please do so at the Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging which is located at 171 Warrenton Road. You can contact the Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging at 540-371-3375 For $15.00, you can feed a dog or cat for one month. Pet food coupons are also welcome. Please mail your tax deductible donations to St. Setons Orphaned Animals, 1 Summey Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22406. Please indicate pet food bank. Donations may also be made securely via our website at www.FeedUsNow.biz/ Please do not delay. The animals cannot wait. Thank You

Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging

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Medicares Coverage of End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
Dan Green, RAAA

Medicare helps pay for kidney dialysis and kidney transplant services. Individuals need Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance), Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance), and possibly Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) to get the full benefits available under Medicare for people with ESRD. You may qualify for Medicare coverage if you are diagnosed with end-stage kidney failure or ESRD and your doctor has written an order prescription) for dialysis treatments. For people already on Medicare, coverage starts right away. For those under 65 and only eligible for Medicare because of ESRD, coverage will not start until the fourth month of dialysis. In order for Medicare to pay for your treatments, your facility must be Medicare approved to provide dialysis. Medicare coverage may include: inpatient/ outpatient dialysis treatments, home dialysis equipment and supplies such as alcohol, wipes, sterile drapes, rubber gloves and scissors. Also, home support services which may include visits by trained hospital or dialysis facility staff to monitor

home dialysis, help in emergencies when needed, and checks on dialysis equipment and other supplies, certain drugs for home dialysis and outpatient doctor and other related services as a part of the dialysis treatment. Medicare does not pay for dialysis aides to help with home dialysis, lost pay to you and your helper during self-dialysis training, a place to stay during treatment, blood or packed red blood cells for home self-dialysis unless it is part of a doctor's service or is needed to prime the dialysis equipment or transportation to a dialysis facility. For kidney transplants some services covered by Medicare Part A are: inpatient services in an approved hospital, kidney registration fee, the full cost of care of your kidney donor, and blood (if a transfusion is needed). Some examples of Medicare Part B coverage for transplant services are: doctors service for kidney transplant services, doctors services for your kidney donor during his or her hospital stay and immunosuppressive drugs. If you have Medicare only because of ESRD, Medicare coverage will end when one of the following conditions is met: (1) 12 months after you stop dialysis treatments, or (2) 36 months after youve had a successful kidney transplant. Your coverage may be extended if you meet certain conditions. Understanding your benefits and rights as a Medicare beneficiary is essential to you accessing and receiving quality and affordable health care. If you have questions on Medicares coverage of ESRD, recommend you visit www.Medicare.gov/dialysis or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or contact RAAAs

Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP) at (540) 371-3375

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Stafford Senior Caf Family Day
On May 31 the Stafford site held their 2nd annual family day. This year the theme was "It Takes Two to Tango" The Meal Center was decorated with a color combination of red, white, and black colors with pictures of a couple dancing the tango. The tables were very elegantly decorated with red and black tablecloths, red and black table runners and glass vases with red roses and gold balloons. A total of 57 people participated at this event, which included clients, family and friends, and RAAA staff members. A table was set up with a wall of fame like style display that showcased the Stafford Site's stars, which included pictures of site clients during different activities held at the site. All guest were treated to a buffet style lunch setting with organic cold meat platters, croissants, white and wheat bread; organic tossed salad; gourmet macaroni salad; assorted cheese platters and an assorted fresh fruit basket. All participants enjoyed an afternoon full of laughter, socializing and music with a few attendees dancing to their favorite tunes. All participants were attentive to the raffle prizes that included: a giant white monkey stuffed animal, a wall clock, a bamboo spa bag, a ladies watch, a beautiful ladies pin, a stationary set and a piggy bank. This event was a solid success with 99% participation. The site was prepared to accommodate 50-60 guest and in fact a total of 57 guest including site participants participated, with a few special guest just dropping by to say hello. Stafford site participants were visibly happy and proud to show their family and friends where they hang out three days a week to socialize, exercise, participate in activities and have 2 nutritious meals. A big thank you to all RAAA staff members and family members that assisted in making family day at the Stafford Senior Caf a huge success.

Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging

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Need employment training? There's help.
Are you 55 or older and living on a low income that does not exceed 125% of the federal poverty level? Are you worried about your prospects for employment? Would you like to receive job training and get paid while you learn? If you answered yes to these questions, you are an ideal candidate for the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor. SCSEP enables qualified individuals to obtain paid, on- the-job training within their communities, update their job skills to enhance their marketability, develop new aptitudes, and gain greater self-confidence. SCSEP participants work 20 hours per week earning minimum wage in a nonprofit organization or government agency, and receive help in transitioning from the program into a new, unsubsidized employment opportunity. Whether you are an out-of-work professional, tradesperson or laborer, or a retiree unable to make ends meet on your retirement benefits, you can start earning a paycheck right away, while you reinforce or learn new skills that will enable you to eventually land a fulltime job. Training opportunities span a wide range of professional, vocational, and office possibilities. For more information, call Pat Holland, Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging, Inc., at 540 -371-3375 or 800-262-4012.

Volunteer Opportunities
The Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging is looking for volunteers to assist the Agency in a variety of capacities, including coordinating or leading activities at our meal centers and assisting clients who use our medical transportation program. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact RAAA at 540-371-3375.

Advertising
Advertisement in the RAAA newsletter is $200 per year. This fee includes placement of your copy-ready business card size advertisement (approximately 2 inches x 3.5 inches) in four issues of the newsletter. To inquire about advertising, please call Pat Holland at 540-371-3375.

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The Senior Cafes Have Been Busy These Last Few Months Volunteer Banquet
Close to 200 RAAA clients and RAAA staff members attended the May 16th Volunteer Banquet. The King George site graciously hosted the event and was very nicely decorated with the agency colors with an Americana theme. Linda Edwards, KG site manager and her staff treated all RAAA clients to a wonderful breakfast and lunch that included fried chicken, green beans, pasta salad, fruit jello and pumpkin bread. Bingo was greatly enjoyed by all involved with the enthusiastic bingo master caller Janet Byies, who serves as the Caroline Meal Center Manager. It was a great RAAA event that helped highlight our mission to serve our seniors and build a sense of community among staff, volunteers, and site participants.

Spotsylvania Congregate Meal Site

For Older Americans Month, the Spotsylvania site participants put on a Senior Fashion Show, Sharing "Wisdom is a Blessing, and a brunch that followed.

Caroline Congregate Meal Site

Keeping up with the beat of "Oldies but Goodies" with the "Healthy Step" exercise program is helping all stay young and vital. Caroline Meal Center participants have become a pros at playing WII Bowling, the participants are interested in a tournament between meal centers. WHO'S UP FOR THE CHALLENGE? Family day was enjoyed outdoors for a day full of music, games and a cookout.

King Georg Congregate Meal Site

"A HEALTHIER ME" was the theme for the month of May for "Older Americans Month" New routines were introduced through Healthy Steps for the Lymphatic systems, relieving stress and depression and overall healthy breathing. The site participants are enjoying outdoor walks, also dancing to upbeat music and one of their favorite activities is playing "Bounce the Ball"

Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging

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FOURTH OF JULY

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Resources for articles: Pages 1 RAAA Page 2-3 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Page 4 RAAA Page 5 disAbility Resource Center Page 6-7 RAAA Page 10 CMS Page 11-13 RAAA Page 14-15 cluesearchpuzzles. com

Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging

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About RAAA
THE RAPPAHANNOCK AREA AGENCY ON AGING (RAAA)

The Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging is a private non-profit corporation established by local governments to administer programs under the Older Americans Act. The RAAA serves the needs and acts on behalf of persons age 60 and older in the City of Fredericksburg and the surrounding counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford.

NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY
The Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin in its programs, activities, employment, or any other service (Civil Rights Act, Title VI). All programs and services are available to persons age 60 and older regardless of handicap or disability. (Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Sec. 504)

A UNITED WAY AGENCY

The Seniors Voice newsletter is compiled and distributed for FREE. However, if you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution to help defray the administrative cost of The Seniors Voice, please detach and mail this form with your check to the RAAA at 460 Lendall Lane, Fredericksburg, Virginia, 22405.

______ Yes, I want to help support The Seniors Voice. Here is my tax-deductible contribution of $____________ to help defray cost. Name: ________________________________________________ Phone #: _________________________________
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