Toe River Project Access

02/16/2026

Reminder: Free VITA Tax Clinic – Tomorrow!
There are still a few spots available for FREE tax preparation services tomorrow at the Avery County YMCA.

📍 Location: Avery County YMCA
📍 Address: 436 Hospital Drive, Linville, NC 28646
🗓 Date: Tomorrow
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Call 828-606-6428 for an appointment

Services are provided by IRS-certified volunteers through the VITA program.

Feel free to share with anyone who may need free help filing their taxes.

02/13/2026

🚨 SCAM ALERT – Medicare Phone Calls 🚨
We are receiving multiple reports of scam phone calls claiming to be from Medicare.

📞 What callers are saying:

There is a “Donald Trump Medicare program.”

It offers discounted drug prices

It includes a grocery benefit card worth $800–$900 per month

There is a deadline to apply (some callers say the end of this month, others say March 31)

⚠️ IMPORTANT FACTS:

❌ There is NO Trump Medicare program

❌ There is NO Medicare grocery card with an upcoming deadline

❌ Medicare does NOT call you to enroll in benefits

In all 10 reported cases, beneficiaries trusted their instincts, hung up, and contacted SHIIP or a local site to verify—and they were right. This is not legitimate.

This appears to be a Medicare Advantage sales tactic, but because the information being shared is false and misleading, it is a scam.

✅ What to do if you get this call:

Hang up

Do NOT give personal information

Call SHIIP or a trusted local resource to verify

Please share this post to help protect friends, family, and neighbors—especially older adults.

02/12/2026

🚨 SCAM ALERT: "FREE GROCERIES" & MEDICARE CARDS
Friends and family, please be on high alert for ads or callers promising "free groceries," "monthly food allowances," or "new Medicare flex cards."
Scammers are using these fake promises to steal Medicare numbers and Social Security information.
Important Facts:
Medicare does NOT call or text out of the blue to offer free grocery money.
Original Medicare does not provide these "flex cards" for food or gas.
Never give your Medicare number to someone who calls you unexpectedly, even if they seem friendly.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 ADULT CHILDREN: Please check in on your parents today! Make sure they know that these "too good to be true" offers on Facebook and TV are often identity theft traps. A quick 5-minute chat could save them from a major headache.
What to do if you’re unsure:
Hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) directly to verify any benefits.
Visit the official Medicare.gov website for real information.
Report suspicious calls to the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) at 1-877-808-2468.
Please SHARE this to help protect our seniors! 🛡️

02/07/2026

❤️ February is Heart Health Month

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in Western NC — but many heart problems can be caught early with simple screenings.

🩺 Get your heart checked:
✔️ Blood pressure
✔️ Cholesterol
✔️ Blood sugar

💙 Toe River Project Access is here to help you stay connected.
We can help you:
• Find local clinics and health departments
• Set up medical appointments
• Understand where to go for screenings
• Navigate healthcare resources in Avery, Mitchell & Yancey Counties

📞 Need help? Call Toe River Project Access at 828-606-6428

Taking care of your heart starts with knowing your numbers. Share this to help keep our mountain communities healthy ❤️

02/06/2026

📣 Important Update: SNAP (Food Assistance) Changes in North Carolina
Here’s what you need to know in simple steps:

1️⃣ New SNAP Rules Started (Feb. 1, 2026)
North Carolina began applying updated federal SNAP eligibility rules as of Feb. 1, 2026. These include new work requirements and eligibility changes.

2️⃣ Work Requirement (for Adults Without Dependents)
Adults ages 18-64 without children must work, volunteer, or participate in training about 20 hours per week (80 hours per month) to stay eligible beyond 3 months in a 3-year period. Those who don’t meet the requirement risk losing benefits after 3 months.

3️⃣ Income Limits for SNAP Eligibility (Monthly)
Most households in NC qualify under expanded income rules — gross income up to 200% of the federal poverty level makes you eligible to apply. Net income (after deductions) must also be low enough. Here are the rough limits for October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026:

👶 Household Size — Max Gross Income (before deductions)
• 1 person: $2,608/month
• 2 people: $3,526/month
• 3 people: $4,442/month
• 4 people: $5,358/month

These are general guides — actual eligibility considers household deductions and other factors.

4️⃣ Immigrant Eligibility Changes
Some non-citizen groups lost automatic eligibility under the new federal rules. Certain groups may still qualify, but documentation requirements have changed.

5️⃣ Next Steps for Current Participants
If you already get SNAP benefits, you’ll follow the old rules until your next renewal/recertification — then the new work and income rules will apply.

6️⃣ Local Help Is Available
If you need help applying for SNAP, or need a list of local food pantries, please call Toe River Project Access: 828-606-6428
They can help with SNAP application and food assistance resources.

02/06/2026

💊 Prescription Savings Update — Important Info for Our Community

There’s a new government website called TrumpRx that helps people find lower cash prices on certain popular high cost prescription medications.

👉 Visit: https://trumprx.gov

How it works:
• Search for your medication
• View discounted cash prices
• Use the coupon or link at your local pharmacy or buy direct
• Insurance and Medicare are not used

Important to know:
✔️ These are out-of-pocket cash prices
✔️ No copays, deductibles, or prior authorizations
✔️ Purchases do not count toward insurance or Medicare drug limits
✔️ Savings vary by medication, dose, and pharmacy
✔️ Not all medications are included, and prices can change

💸 Examples of Savings (Estimated):

• Wegovy (weight loss)
Typical cash price: $1,300–$1,400/month
TrumpRx price: $149–$349/month

• Ozempic (diabetes)
Typical cash price: $1,000+/month
TrumpRx price: ~$199/month

• Zepbound (weight loss)
Typical cash price: $1,000+/month
TrumpRx price: ~$299/month

• Asthma & COPD inhalers (examples: Bevespi, Airsupra)
Typical cash price: $450–$500 per inhaler
TrumpRx price: ~$50–$200

💊 How to Get Your Medication with TrumpRx — Step by Step

Step 1: Find Your Medication
• Go to https://trumprx.gov on your computer or smartphone.
• Type in the name of the prescription you need (like Wegovy, Ozempic, or an inhaler).

Step 2: See the Price
• The site will show the cash price — this is the out-of-pocket price.
• For some medications, TrumpRx will give a coupon code to show at a pharmacy.
• For others, it will give a “buy direct” link to order from the manufacturer.

Step 4: Order the Medication

Option A — Buy Direct from Manufacturer:
1. Click the link from TrumpRx.
2. Enter your prescription info (sometimes your doctor’s prescription is needed).
3. Pay the discounted cash price listed.
4. Medication is shipped directly to your home or pharmacy.

Option B — Use at Local Pharmacy:
1. Print the TrumpRx coupon or show it on your phone.
2. Take it to your pharmacy.
3. The pharmacist applies the discount at checkout.
4. Pay the lower price.

If you need help navigating the site, call Toe River Project Access at 828‑606‑6428.

02/05/2026

📌 Retired? You May Still Want to File Taxes

Even if you’re retired and don’t think you have to file, filing a tax return can still help you:
✔️ Get a refund if taxes were withheld
✔️ Qualify for credits
✔️ Provide proof of income for housing or benefits

✅ Toe River Project Access can help you file for FREE through the VITA program if you’re eligible.

🪪 What to bring:
• Photo ID
• Social Security card (or ITIN letter)
• Income forms, such as:
• SSA-1099 (Social Security)
• 1099-R (pension, annuity, IRA)
• 1099-INT / 1099-DIV (bank interest or investments)
• Bank account & routing number (for direct deposit of any refund)
• Last year’s tax return (helpful, not required)

📞 Call 828-606-6428 to schedule an appointment.

Free. Trusted. Local help for our community.

02/05/2026

❄️ FREE TAX VITA CANCELED ❄️

Due to snowy conditions and Mayland Yancey Campus being on a remote day, we must cancel our FREE Tax VITA Clinic that was scheduled for today at Mayland Yancey Campus.

Your safety is our priority. Please check out the flyer for our other upcoming clinic dates. We look forward to serving you soon!

02/03/2026

We’re ready to file your taxes!
📞 Call 828-606-6428 to make an appointment.

This free service is here to save you money—because we believe our neighbors deserve support, so families can keep more of what they earn for a healthier community outcome

02/02/2026

📌 Don’t Have to File Taxes? Here’s Why You Might Want To

If you didn’t earn much last year, were paid cash, worked part-time, or receive Social Security, you may think filing taxes doesn’t apply to you. But here’s why filing can still be very important 👇

✅ You could get money back
Even if you didn’t owe taxes, you may qualify for refundable credits like:
• Child Tax Credit
• Earned Income Tax Credit
• Other stimulus or state credits
That’s real money you won’t get unless you file.

✅ Filing protects your benefits
A tax return is often needed to prove income for:
• Medicaid
• SNAP / food assistance
• ACA health insurance
• Housing or rental assistance
• College financial aid

✅ It creates an official income record
Filing helps with:
• Social Security credits
• Disability or retirement benefits
• Loans, apartments, and mortgages
• Verifying income for future programs

✅ It can help avoid problems later
Sometimes income is reported to the IRS even if you didn’t realize it. Filing helps prevent letters, delays, or penalties.

💡 Bottom line:
Even if you don’t have to file, filing can put money in your pocket, protect your benefits, and support your future.

✨ You may qualify to file for FREE
If your income is under a certain level, trusted local help is available.

📞 Need help filing free or have questions?
Call Toe River Project Access at 828-606-6428 — we’re happy to help.

01/30/2026

01/28/2026

If You’re Self-Employed & Using a FREE VITA TAX Clinic, Things to remember to bring: 👇

✅ Personal & Household Info
• Photo ID
• Social Security card or ITIN letter (for you, spouse, and dependents)
• Last year’s tax return (if available)
• Bank account & routing number (for direct deposit) a MUST!

💼 Self-Employment Income (Organized by YOU) Bring all income for the year, even if you didn’t get a tax form.

Examples: • 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC forms
• Cash income records
• Invoices or receipts
• Deposit summaries (bank statements highlighted)
• App reports (Uber, DoorDash, Etsy, Square, PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, etc.)

📁 Best practice: Put income in one folder, grouped by payer or platform, with totals written at the top.

💼 Business Expenses (This Is HUGE) Expenses reduce what you owe—so bring them!
Common deductible expenses:
• Supplies & materials
• Mileage log OR total business miles (dates + purpose)
• Vehicle expenses (gas, repairs—only if not using mileage)
• Cell phone (business % only)
• Internet (business % only)
• Advertising & marketing
• Licensing, fees, insurance
• Office supplies or home office info (if applicable)

📁 Best practice:
• Separate expenses by category
• Add up totals for each category
• Sticky note or paper with totals = 💯 volunteer gold

🚗 Vehicle Use Bring one of the following:
• Mileage log (preferred), OR
• Total business miles for the year Also helpful:
• Vehicle purchase date
• Lease or loan info (if applicable)

🏠 Home Office (If used)
• Square footage of home
• Square footage of office space
• Rent or mortgage info
• Utilities totals (electric, water, internet)

🏥 Health Insurance
• Form 1095-A (Marketplace insurance) if applicable
⚠️ This is required to file if you had Marketplace coverage.

📌 How to Make It Easy for the Volunteer Preparer
• Use envelopes or folders labeled:
• Income
• Expenses
• Mileage
• Write totals clearly
• Avoid dumping loose receipts (it slows everything down)
• Be ready to explain what the business does in 1–2 sentences

🚫 What VITA Can’t Do
• No estimated tax planning
• No missing income reconstruction
• No guessing expenses
• No large inventory tracking or complex depreciation

✨ Pro Tip If records are incomplete, filing may be delayed—or not possible that day. A little prep = faster filing + lower stress.

If you are self-employed and would like to see if you qualify for Free Tax VITA clinics call us at 828-606-6428. You may qualify for Toe River Project Access to file your taxes at no cost to you.

Share this with a neighbor who is self-employed