Helpful Links
Administration for Community Living (ACL): The official site of the agency that oversees federal policy concerning seniors, including the Older Americans Act. The site includes a listing of Area Agencies on Aging with web sites. – www.acl.gov American Society on Aging – www.asaging.org Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) – www.cms.hhs.gov Elder Law of Michigan, Inc. – www.elderlawofmi.org Health …
Social Isolation Resources
Social isolation among older adults is a serious issue, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one-third of adults ages 45 and older feel lonely. This group is at an increased risk of social isolation due in part to having less nearby, immediate family or a chronic illness. Many organizations have created …
Beware of Fake COVID-19 Test Sites, Kits
January 21, 2022 Scammers have created fake and unauthorized at-home testing kits, and they’re still at it with fake COVID-19 testing sites. They’re not giving people the help they need to stay healthy. The Federal Trade Commission gives things to keep in mind about buying fake COVID tests online and about looking into testing sites. A consumer alert from the Senior Medicare …
Social Isolation Resources
Social isolation among older adults is a serious issue, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one-third of adults ages 45 and older feel lonely. This group is at an increased risk of social isolation due in part to having less nearby, immediate family or a chronic illness. Many organizations have created …
Seniors Tricked into Buying Policies
Sandy Morales from the California Senior Medicare Patrol explained that a misleading TV commercial enticed seniors with new benefits that include dental, vision, transportation, and even Social Security money; however, beneficiaries who called for information were “erroneously enrolled into a plan that they never gave permission to enroll into.” In other states, one beneficiary felt threatened from a caller who …
Avoid marketing scams during 2022 Medicare Open Enrollment
October 15, 2021 by The Senior Medicare Patrol Resource Center Lois C. Greisman, Elder Justice Coordinator, FTC During Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period (OEP), which begins on October 15 and ends December 7, Medicare beneficiaries can choose the plans that are best for them for 2022. You can get help comparing Medicare plans from your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), …
SMP Consumer Fraud Alert: COVID-19
As the number of people and communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic grows, so do the scams associated with it. Scammers use public health emergencies as opportunities for new fraud schemes, and because older adults are at greater risk for serious illness from COVID-19, they may target older populations. It’s important to remember that although the Centers for Disease Control …
Prevent Medicare fraud — become an informed Medicare consumer
Each day, you make important choices about your finances, health, privacy, and more. It’s National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), a time that non-profit organizations and government agencies can help you protect yourself and prevent fraud by taking advantage of your rights and making better, more informed choices. Here are some things you can do to prevent Medicare fraud and become an informed …
