One agency with three programs that advocate for seniors in long term care facilities and Medicare beneficiaries who want unbiased individual help and advocacy.
The goal of many of us as we age is to stay as independent as possible. One of the challenges we confront as we move into 'older adult' status is to manage our medications - remember when and which medication to take, remember to refill medications before they run out, and get support from others if we forget. Technology can help! It can help older adults to stay independent as long as possible and make family members feel secure in knowing we are still safe in our home.
Do you know that Senior Advocacy Services relies on the work of our volunteers to reach seniors across Sonoma County? Our next Ombudsman Training begins in August, and we need more volunteers to help advocate for residents of long term care facilities across our county.
Did you know Medicare gives you access to a variety of preventive tests and screenings, most at no cost to you?
On Monday June 24th, KTVU Channel 2 news reached out to Senior Advocacy Services about a story highlighting Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Awareness Month.
Coincidentally, not long before the TV request, the SAS Elder Justice Coordinator, Donata Mikulik, met a community member Ezra Gardener Rust who had fallen victim to a phone scam that cost him approximately $32,000. Read More
Be advised that California Senior Medicare Patrol has seen an alarming increase in fraudulent billing where older adults are deceived into submitting to a cheek swab procedure (aka genetic testing). The scammer claims the procedure tests for cancer and/or other health-related benefits and that is fully covered by Medicare or Medi-Cal.
The scammers offer their fraudulent services to administrators at senior centers, senior residential facilities and other locations including setting up stands at supermarkets and other public locations.
We have additional reports that insurance agents and other service-oriented professionals are unknowingly recruited to serve as lead generators.
Please help us prevent the victimization of our older adults by alerting your networks to this most recent fraud scam. Please, also let us know others who would benefit from this alert.
Micki Nozaki, Director
California Senior Medicare Patrol
Missed going paperless with Medicare on Earth Day 2019? It’s not too late! Visit Medicare.gov/GoPaperless to sign up for your “Medicare & You” eHandbook.
Instead of mailing you a paper handbook every year, Medicare will send you an email each fall when the new eHandbook is available. They will also email you about any major updates to the handbook throughout the year, including cost changes.
Sign up by May 31. It’s an easy way to go green — and save Medicare paper and money!
Not sure if Medicare will cover your medical test or service? Medicare’s free “What’s covered” app delivers accurate cost and coverage information right on your smartphone.
Search or browse in the app to learn if Medicare will cover your medical test or service. Medicare’s free “What’s covered” app delivers accurate cost and coverage information right on your smartphone. Use the app at the doctor’s office, in the hospital, or anywhere you use your smartphone or tablet.
Get the app directly from the App Store or Google Play.
Missed your Initial Enrollment Period last year? If you’re eligible for Medicare, you may still be able to sign up for Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) during the General Enrollment Period.
The General Enrollment Period runs from January 1 to March 31, for coverage starting July 1. You can apply for Medicare Part A and/or Part B now if both of these apply:
Visit Medicare.gov to learn more about sign up periods.
Note: In most cases, if you don’t sign up for Medicare Part B when you’re first eligible, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty.
For individual help with Medicare details call for a HICAP appointment with a registered counselor in your community.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued new rules that limit enrollment and
disenrollment from Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans. The new rules went into effect on January 1, 2019.
Prior to 2019, dual eligibles receiving both MediCal and Medicare, as well as Low Income Subsidy (LIS) beneficiaries, had a continuous Special Enrollment Period (SEP)–known as the LIS SEP–that allowed them to enroll or disenroll from a Medicare Advantage plan or Part D prescription drug plan monthly.
Under the new rule, dual eligibles and LIS recipients will only be able to enroll or disenroll...
Another great resource to keep an out on in case you're approached by scammers:
https://www.aarp.org/aarp-foundation/our-work/income/elderwatch/report-fraud/
