Elder Options resources for June, 2023
June 5-11 - Medicare Fraud Prevention Week
Medicare Fraud Prevention Week, hosted by the Senior Medicare Patrol, known as the SMP, is a national program to educate Medicare beneficiaries about Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse. Medicare Fraud Prevention Week starts on June 5, or 6/5, as most people become eligible for Medicare when they turn 65.
Why is This Week Important? Medicare loses an estimated $60 billion each year due to fraud, errors, and abuse, though that number is impossible to measure. Every day, issues related to these problems affect people across the country, often costing them time and money, and interfering with their well-being.
Medicare-related errors contribute to this annual loss, even though errors can be honest health care billing mistakes. However, repeated errors by a doctor or provider could be considered a red flag of potential fraud or abuse,, if not corrected.
When people steal from Medicare, it hurts us all and is big business for criminals. Some common examples of fraud, errors, or abuse could include:
• Charging for services or supplies that were not provided.
• Misrepresenting a diagnosis, a person’s identity, the service provided, or other facts to justify payment.
• Prescribing or providing excessive or unnecessary tests and services.
• Falling prey to consumer scams or health care fraud may mean that your Medicare number has been “compromised” as a result of medical identity theft. Stealing from Medicare leaves less available funds for those needing services now, as well as those needing Medicare in the future.
Learn how you can protect yourself and your loved ones from Medicare fraud by joining us every day of Medicare Fraud Prevention Week from 6/5 through 6/11 for a different message on the national social media platforms or by connecting with your local SMP in your state: www.smpResource.org/Medicare-Fraud-Prevention-Week.aspx.
Florida residents can obtain information by calling 1-800-963-5337, or visiting the following websites:
www.smpResource.org/Locator/FL.aspx
www.FloridaShine.org
www.Facebook.com/Florida.SHIP
June 15, 9:00 am EDT, LIVE and ONLINE - World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD)
LIVE:
One Health, 1714 SW 17th St., Ocala (Marion County), Florida 34471.
ONLINE:
The link to join the event will be posed the the next Elder Optins newsletter. SIGN UP for the newsletter HERE: AgingResources.org.
Marion Senior Services and Elder Options will be joining Area Agencies on Aging throughout the State of Florida to host the Virtual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Event. Join us to hear from Adult Protective Services, AARP, Banking professionals, and SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders). If you have questions, email elderabuse@agingresources.org.
Speakers will include:
Leslie Andrews, Elder Abuse Project Coordinator from Elder Options
Marion County (Florida) Sheriff Billy Woods from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office
Racheal Franklin, Victim Services Director from the State Attorney’s Office, Fifth Judicial Circuit
Monica Bryant, Prevention Coordinator, Family Violence Prevention from Children’s Alliance
Active Daily Living
New on AgingResources.org. We've added a new resource to our website. The Active Daily Living page offers FREE personalized resources for seniors and caregivers. The page provides advice to enhance health, promote independence, and share tips for aging in place. You can find it here: AgingResources.DailyLivingAdvice.com.
SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders)
SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is a free program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and your local Area Agency on Aging. Learn more here: FloridaShine.org.
The SHINE Medicare Program is one of many opportunities offered by Elder Options to get involved in YOUR community. If you're interested in becoming a SHINE volunteer, call 1-800-262-2243, email Shine@AgingResources.org or visit AgingResources.org/Volunteers.
Medicaid Redetermination
Visit www.MyFlFamilies.com/Medicaid or call 850-300-4323 (Florida Relay 711 or TTY 1-800-955-8771).
Elder Options Newsletter
To receive the newsletter from Elder Options, sign up here: lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/hBTH05S/elderoptions.
Contact Elder Options
Phone: 1-800-262-2243
Office: 100 SW 75th Street, Suite 301, Gainesville, FL 32607
Email: elderabuse@agingresources.org