February, 2013
Monthly News You Can Use 

Ring! Ring! Who’s Calling Now? 

Last month we sent press releases all across the state to quickly spread the word about a new round of suspicious calls; callers
claimed to be from Medicare offering news about Medicare changes or new Medicare cards or wanting to make home visits.
Medicare officials NEVER call you to give you news or offer a new card.  So many people phoned Iowa Senior Medicare Patrol’s hotline and the Area Agencies on Aging to say they’d received suspicious calls, we could barely keep up with all the reports!

Already heard us say this before?   Read on……….we have something new to tell you!  After listening to these older Iowan’s stories, we did some research with our friends at SHIIP (Iowa Senior Health Insurance Information program) and with Medicare directly.  We found out

• Some Medicare Advantage plans (the Medicare plans offered through private companies) have been contacting people enrolled in their plans, to discuss their general health and look for preventive measures that might help improve or avoid chronic illnesses.  Representatives of the health plans call and ask for permission to make a home visit.
• Many health insurance companies that offer supplements to Medicare, are calling, asking to visit to describe the policies they carry, in order to see if you’d like to become their customer.

Iowans are wise and getting very cautious about cold calls that mention Medicare; we might jump to a conclusion that a scammer is on the phone every time Medicare is mentioned.  We just need to keep staying one step ahead!  That means if a caller mentions
Medicare, be sure to have them tell you exactly where they are calling from and what their purpose is.

• If they say they are from Medicare or Social Security and want to give you news or a new Medicare card – this is almost certainly a scam attempt.

• If they say they are with your Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plan and you are worried about  providing information over the phone or question if the call is legitimate, tell the caller that you are going to hang up and call the number on your member ID card to verify what the call was about.

• If they say they are with an insurance company, and you don’t have a policy with that company, ask them what they’re selling, so you can decide if you want to visit with them.  If you have a complaint with the behavior of an insurance
  salesperson, call SMP to learn who to contact to file a complaint.

You may contact Iowa Senior Medicare Patrol at 1-800-423-2449 or AAA name at AAA phone number to report a suspicious call or learn where to file complaints.

News prepared by Deb Yankey,
Iowa Senior Medicare Patrol Coordinator, Hawkeye Valley AAA, Waterloo, IA, dyankey@hvaaa.org

This document was supported, in part, by Grant #90MP0161/01, from the Administration on Community
Living/Administration on Aging, Department
of Health and Human Services.
Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are
encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions.  Points of view or opinions do not, therefore,
necessarily represent official Administration on Aging policy.

]]> http://www.involvementonline.org/?feed=rss2&p=4036 0 http://www.involvementonline.org/?p=4028 http://www.involvementonline.org/?p=4028#comments Wed, 07 Nov 2012 20:50:57 +0000 Editor http://www.involvementonline.org/?p=4028 November, 2012 – Monthly News You Can Use from Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)

New Twist on Scam Calls Offering “New” Medicare Cards

Medicare’s annual open enrollment period runs from mid-October to early December; it is a time that people on Medicare may be seeking information, reviewing literature and talking to representatives of health plans, in order to decide whether to change their Prescription Drug Plan or Medicare Advantage plan for next year.  This often means extra flyers arriving in your mail box or a series of phone calls while you gather information.

As previously reported, Iowa Senior Medicare Patrol has received numerous complaints about scam calls all across the state, offering new Medicare cards. Since the open enrollment period began, we learned that someone who recently made a change to a different Prescription Drug Plan, happened to receive one of these scam calls.  Any other time of the year, she would have immediately known it was a suspicious call and hung up.  But this time, since she’d recently been doing business with her Medicare plan, she wondered if it might be a legitimate call.  Thankfully, she was suspicious so she told the caller she’d like to get back to him later – he hung up.  Proof positive that a scam was in the works!

If you are doing business this fall and winter with new Medicare-related health plans, it is very unlikely that a plan would call you to ask for personal information AFTER you’d already given them this information during a personal visit or while enrolling by phone or internet.   If  you are expecting a new ID card, it would come by mail and no phone call would be involved.

If you enroll in a new plan this season, be certain to keep all materials that were given to you or print confirmation pages when enrolling on the internet.  When your phone rings, remember these tips from Senior Medicare Patrol.  If you receive a suspicious call, you are welcome to report it to SMP at 1-800-423-2449.

Suspicious Calls Warning of Computer Problems 

A savvy northeast Iowa man knew something was up when he got a phone call about his computer.  The caller said that “Windows” (the name of a computer operating system many people are familiar with) was having some problems and he wanted the man to go to his computer while on the phone, so the caller could help him fix it.  This older Iowan was suspicious and hung up; he followed sound advice and just took a moment to wonder why anyone would be calling about a problem that we wasn’t having! Chalk that up in the “loss” column for that potential scammer!

News prepared by Deb Yankey, Iowa Senior Medicare Patrol Coordinator, Hawkeye Valley AAA, Waterloo, IA, dyankey@hvaaa.org

Older Iowans have been receiving uninvited phone calls

• offering medical alert devices for much less than typical charges or
• offering free gifts from medical alert providers in exchange for credit card information.

Medical alert devices, also called “personal emergency response systems” are transmitters commonly worn around your neck or on your wrist, on which you can push a button for emergency help if you can’t get to the phone.

A nationwide provider of medical alert services has alerted Iowa’s Area Agencies on Aging that phone calls are being made using a “Lifeline” name but they are not legitimate calls.   Any unexpected phone call in which we are asked to give credit card or bank account information, or Medicare or Social Security numbers, should raise a red flag!  Scam callers use names for themselves that sound very much like common businesses or organizations – so they can fool you!

If you already have a medical alert system and receive an unexpected call asking for personal information, avoid giving out information, check your paperwork at home for the phone number for the company and call them yourself.

If you don’t have a medical alert system but are interesting in purchasing or leasing one, don’t agree immediately to sign up with someone on the phone.  Research information on your own;  you can find tips about personal emergency response systems from the Federal Trade Commission, You can find out what companies provide  alert systems in your area by contacting your local Area
Agency on Aging.

This information is provided by Iowa Senior Medicare Patrol (a project of your local Area Agency on Aging)

1-800-423-2449

]]> http://www.involvementonline.org/?feed=rss2&p=4019 0 http://www.involvementonline.org/?p=3993 http://www.involvementonline.org/?p=3993#comments Tue, 25 Sep 2012 14:20:33 +0000 Editor http://www.involvementonline.org/?p=3993 Medicare will Penalize Hospitals for Readmissions Shortly after Discharge

As a Medicare beneficiary or someone currently working and paying taxes that support Medicare, you’ll be interested to learn that hospitals with “readmission” rates higher than Medicare deems acceptable, will have reductions in their reimbursement beginning next month.  Almost one in five Medicare patients return to the hospital within a month after discharge, nearly 2 million persons per year.  This costs Medicare over $17 billion annually.  Government officials consider this an example of the lack of coordination in our health care system.  Statistics don’t tell the entire story, of course, and hospital officials have responded to Medicare with their concerns about this type of evaluation of their quality of care and the impact of the financial penalties. This year, Medicare will withhold $280 million in penalties and the percentage rate of the penalties will increase in subsequent years.  

If you are a hospital inpatient, be certain you understand all your discharge information when you leave.  You should receive instructions in writing about how soon you need to see your doctor, therapist or other health professional, a complete list of all medications you should take and information about whether you must limit your activities or diet.  Use the free publication from Medicare, “Your Discharge Planning List” available at http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/11376.pdf or call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227. 

Sources: Kaiser Health News, “Medicare to Penalize 2,211 Hospitals for Excess Readmissions,” Aug. 13, 2012 and www.cms.gov 

Learning about Medicare’s New Preventive Benefits

Some major pharmacies are working with Medicare officials to make information easily available to their patients about the details of preventive benefits covered by Medicare.  If you are a patient of one of these pharmacies

• CVS Caremark
• Thrifty White
• Walgreens

you may receive a brochure or other information in the store, about these benefits you may not be aware of.   Your pharmacy cannot advise you whether you meet the medical qualifications for these benefits; you must check with your doctor’s office.  Anything we can do to prevent future health problems for ourselves will save us discomfort, heartache and money. 

Source: Dept. of Health and Human Services News Release, Aug. 15, 2012

Scammers are Burning up the Phone Lines to Older Iowans

Do you read Senior Medicare News very often?  If so, you might be able to “read” this article with your eyes closed!  That’s because we must inform older Iowans once again that scammers are not giving up.  The next phone call you get may be one of these. 

• The “grandparent scam” in which a young person pretends to be your grandchild who has been injured or arrested or met some other catastrophe and they want you to wire money to them.  If you receive such a call and really think it might be your grandchild (which is unlikely), don’t agree to send money.  Call their parents or another family member who would know if your grandchild is away from home and needing help. 
• Medicare calling to send you a new Medicare card is a hoax!  The caller will try to get you to give your bank account information and your Medicare number.  Under no circumstances would this be a legitimate call.   

These calls are happening all the time, all around Iowa – so folks, do not fall for these scams and tell every retired person you know, to be on the lookout.  Medicare officials are interested in knowing about the Medicare card scam calls, so you may call Iowa Senior Medicare Patrol at 1-800-423-2449 to report if you receive such a call.   

How to Verify Social Media Sites Appearing to Represent the Federal Government

The government uses social media sites like Twitter, Facebook and YouTube to communicate with citizens every day about government benefits and services.  Government website addresses typically end with .gov or .mil which helps us know they are authentic sites.  But social media does not use the same addresses; you may want to check authenticity before you rely on federal government  information from social media.  A social media “registry” has been launched and is available at http://www.usa.gov/Contact/verify-social-media.shtml.  You can paste in a URL to verify the site. 

News prepared by Deb Yankey, Iowa Senior Medicare Patrol Coordinator, Hawkeye Valley AAA, Waterloo, IA, dyankey@hvaaa.org    

Aug. 24, 2012 – Des Moines, Iowa – AARP and Mediacom today announce multiple broadcast of back-to-back, one-on-one conversations with Iowa’s 2012 Third Congressional District candidates – Congressman Tom Latham (R) and Congressman Leonard Boswell (D).  The show debuts on Mediacom Channel MC-22 from 11 to 11:30 a.m. this Sunday, Aug. 26. 

WHO-TV13 political reporter Dave Price moderates the 15-minute, unedited conversations with each of the candidates on the challenges facing the future of Social Security and Medicare, and their ideas on how to strengthen them for the future.   The Video Voters’ Guide will be re-broadcast multiple times on MC-22 and available “On Demand” on Mediacom regularly until the elections on Nov.6.   The conversations were recorded at Mediacom in Des Moines on Aug. 20. 

“We are pleased to team up with Mediacom to focus on these important issues for older Iowans and their families,” said AARP Iowa State Director Kent Sovern.  “Medicare and Social Security are critical to health and retirement security, and voters deserve straight answers about the candidates’ plans to strengthen these programs.”

“We’re proud to use our Mediacom network to provide information that is timely and relevant, particularly as Iowans evaluate candidates and issues that affect policies in our state and nation,” said Mediacom Senior Vice President Ed Pardini. 

Announcement of the AARP-Mediacom 2012 Iowa Third Congressional District Video Voters’ Guide is being released in conjunction with the national release of “You’ve Earned a Say:  Vote for Retirement Security” 2012 Voters’ Guides at www.earnedasay.org   The Guides feature information from the nation’s presidential, senatorial and congressional candidates – in their own words – on their plans to strengthen Social Security, Medicare and Financial Security.  The 2012 Presidential Voters’ Guide also will appear in the next issue of AARP The Magazine, arriving in homes beginning the last week of August.  

“For more than 26 years, AARP has worked to make sure that candidates address the issues important to older voters and that these voters had the information they need to make their own choices at the ballot box,” said AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond.  “AARP’s Voters’ Guide brings nonpartisan, straightforward information on important issues from the campaign trail to American kitchen tables.”

AARP’s federal Voters’ Guide poses three questions on Social Security, Medicare, and Financial Security: 

How would you protect Social Security for today’s seniors and strengthen it for future generations?

How would you put Medicare on stronger financial ground and protect today’s seniors and future retirees from the burden of rising health costs?

How would you help Americans build a financial nest egg for their retirement?

The responses, which appear alongside AARP principles on each issue, consist of excerpts from the candidates’ from publicly available information.  Voters can enter their address to see responses not only from the presidential candidates, but also from general election candidates in their specific races for seats in the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives, including the candidates from each of Iowa’s four congressional districts.

Visitors to www.earnedasay.org also will be able to contact the presidential campaigns with their comments or questions.

Earlier this month, AARP released a series of surveys on the opinions of voters ages 50 and over, which found that these voters overwhelmingly think the candidates have not done a good job of explaining their plans on Social Security (67%) and Medicare (63%).  Voters 50-plus – across party lines – say that getting more information on the candidates’ plans on Social Security (72%) and Medicare (70%) will help them determine their vote on Election Day.

“We are doing our part to make sure that voters 50-plus have reliable information from candidates on these important issues,” added LeaMond.  “We think the candidates would be wise to do more themselves, as well.”

The nonpartisan AARP does not support or oppose any political candidates, nor contribute any money to political action committees, campaigns or super PACs.  In the coming weeks, AARP will also be releasing Voters’ Guides for state elections addressing a variety of issues including utilities, retirement security, health, and fraud. 

About AARP

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 37 million, that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for Americans 50+ and the world’s largest-circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for the 50+ audience; AARP VIVA, a bilingual lifestyle multimedia platform addressing the interests and needs of Hispanic Americans; and national television and radio programming including My Generation and Inside E Street. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.

About Mediacom

Mediacom Communications is the nation’s eighth largest cable television company and one of the leading cable operators focused on serving the smaller cities in the United States, with a significant concentration in the Midwestern and Southeastern regions. Mediacom Communications offers a wide array of broadband products and services, including traditional and advanced video services such as digital television, video-on-demand, digital video recorders, high-definition television, as well as high-speed Internet access and phone service. Through Mediacom Business, the Company offers affordable broadband communications solutions that can be tailored to any size business.

It’s enough to make you sick. No sooner had the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on the Affordable Care Act than scam artists began working the phones. They say they’re from the government and that, using the Affordable Care Act as a hook, they need to verify some information. They might have the routing number from your bank, and then use that information to get you to reveal the entire account number. Or, they’ll ask for your credit card or Social Security number, Medicare ID, or other personal information.

The Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, advises consumers not to give out personal or financial information in response to unsolicited phone calls, emails, or knocks on your door. Scam artists want your information to commit identity theft, charge your existing credit cards, debit your checking account, open new credit card, checking, or savings accounts, write fraudulent checks, or take out loans in your name.

If someone who claims to be from the government calls and asks for your personal information, hang up. It’s a scam. The government and legitimate organizations you do business with already have the information they need and will not ask you for it. Then, file a complaint at ftc.gov or call 1-877-FTC-HELP. If you think your identity’s been stolen, visit www.ftc.gov/idtheft  or call 1-877-ID-THEFT. You also can file a complaint with your state Attorney General.

For more information about the federal health care law, visit HealthCare.gov.

The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC’s online Complaint Assistant or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The FTC enters complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 2,000 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. The FTC’s website provides free information on a variety of consumer topics.  Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.

Iowa Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) – July, 2012 Monthly News You Can Use

Have You Checked the News on the Medicare Website?

You probably don’t think of checking Medicare’s website unless you have a question related to Medicare…………or maybe you’ve never visited the site.  There’s more news than you might expect.  Go to www.medicare.gov and on the home page look for “Medicare News.”  Right now there is an interesting article titled, “How We Can Stop Older Americans From Being Bullied.”  This describes warning signs that may indicate a elder abuse is occurring. It’s often not easy for any of us to ask for help, especially if we’ve been victimized.  This article may help you become more aware of this issue and able to encourage a friend, neighbor or family member to ask for help if they are experiencing some type of abuse. 

Are you considering trying to quit using tobacco?  Medicare may cover smoking cessation treatment for you.  This is a fairly new Medicare benefit that many are not aware of.  On the home page you’ll see a link for “Ready to Quit Tobacco?” 

If you don’t use a computer, ask your local library to help you access these articles or ask a friend or relative to look it up and print the articles for you.  And keep checking back on the Medicare website for the latest news. 

Think Medicare Fraud Won’t Move from Southern Florida to your Town?

Southern Florida is well known for a high incidence of Medicare fraud and law enforcement works very hard to detect and stop fraud in the area.  When criminals feel the heat is on they know very well they can move to a less populated and quieter area to set up shop.  Recently in U.S. District Court in Miami a woman pled guilty to involvement in Medicare and Medicaid fraud amounting to more than $63 million dollars.  She was one of several employees of a business which allegedly committed these crimes.  The other defendants are awaiting trial.  The business operated in Miami but expanded to Hendersonville, North Carolina.  

The business was operating outpatient mental health services and according to the indictment, recruited patients from assisted living facilities and nursing homes.  Owners and operators of these facilities were provided kickbacks for referring patients, even when the treatment was not needed or not appropriate for the individuals.  

Source: U.S. Dept. of Justice Press Release July 2, 2012

Iowa-Licensed Physician Disciplined for Improper Claims to Medicare

A doctor who is licensed in Iowa, agreed to pay Medicare and others $1 million as a result of a government investigation into Medicare and private health insurance claims she filed while practicing in Michigan.  The Iowa Board of Medicine reported in their June 13, 2012 press release, that the physician has also had her Iowa license indefinitely suspended.  According to the press release, the doctor prescribed an IV therapy that was not commonly covered by Medicare and other insurance so she submitted the health insurance claims showing she’d provided other IV therapies that were commonly covered. 

Senior Medicare Patrol advises Medicare beneficiaries to watch their Medicare Summary Notices to see the description of the service or procedure that was billed to Medicare.  If it does not match what was actually done for you, this is a red flag for an error or potential fraud………. Which leads to lost Medicare funds and can eventually lead to higher premiums or reduced benefits for everyone or it could lead to you having payment for a Medicare service denied because your records show you already had the service.  This is why it is vital that you contact the health care provider if you have a question about what appears on your Medicare notices.  If you cannot resolve the situation or have reason to suspect potential fraud, contact Senior Medicare Patrol at their statewide inquiry line 1-800-423-2449.   

Grandparent Scam Still Stalking Older Iowans

An older woman from central Iowa was targeted by a scam artist following the theme of the “grandparent scam.”  The caller was very convincing that he was her grandson who was out of the country, in jail and needed bail money.  This woman was courageous enough to do the right thing, which is to stop a minute and think, end the call and then contacted her son to ask if her grandson was in trouble and needing help.  Her son was able to contact the grandson and of course…………no trouble — he was fine!  Her son also assisted her by contacting the local police and the Iowa Attorney General’s office to make them aware these scam attempts are still occurring.  

Help Protect Young Children’s Identities

Older Iowans often read articles about how to protect their health and finances but most of us don’t want to focus all our thoughts just upon ourselves.  This article is a little different; it gives you a chance to share some important information with your loved ones about protecting your grandchildren or other youngsters that are dear to you. 

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)  recently announced their new publication, “Safeguarding Your Child’s Future.”  They begin with the following statements. “Parents do a lot to protect their children from physical harm, from teaching them to look both ways before crossing the street to making sure they’re dressed warmly for a snowy day.  Protecting their personal information is important, too.” 

The FTC reminds parents to keep their child’s personal information in a secure place and advises against routinely carrying the child’s Social Security card with them.  They mention to make sure your child’s information is safeguarded at school.  The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects the privacy of student records; parents should be certain to read the notices schools give about these rights.  It is important to know how to remove personal information from computers, cell phones and other electronic devices when they are disposed.  The publication contains information about safe computer use and cautions about social media (like Facebook) and peer to peer software (don’t worry if you don’t know about this – they will!). 

For these and many other tips, direct your loved ones who care for children, to the FTC website at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/menus/consumer/data/child.shtm. 

Prepared by Deb Yankey, Iowa Senior Medicare Patrol Coordinator at Hawkeye Valley Area Agency on Aging, Waterloo, IA  dyankey@hvaaa.org 

Iowa Senior Medicare Patrol Statewide General Inquiry Line 1-800-423-2449

Answers To Some of The Most Commonly Asked Medicare Questions

Q:  Who Pays First If I Have Medicare and Other Health Coverage?

A:  If you have Medicare and other health coverage, each type of coverage is called a “payer.” When there’s more than one payer, “coordination of benefits” rules decide who pays first. The “primary payer” pays what it owes on your bills first, and then your provider sends the rest to the “secondary payer” to pay. In some cases, there may also be a “third payer.” Whether Medicare pays first depends on a number of things, including the situations listed in the chart below. However, this chart doesn’t cover every situation. Be sure to tell your doctor and other health care provider’s insurance specialist/billing staff if you have coverage in addition to Medicare. This will help them send your bills to the correct payer to avoid delays. Note: Paying “first” means paying the whole bill up to the limits of the payer’s coverage. It doesn’t always mean the primary payer pays first in time.

If you have questions about who pays first or if your coverage changes, call the Medicare Coordination of Benefits Contractor (COBC) at 1-800-999-1118. TTY users should call 1-800-318-8782.  For example, if you need to find out about Medicare’s coverage of End Stage Renal Disease and how it works with other insurance the COBC will answer your questions.   Also, to better serve you please have the following information ready when you call: your Medicare number (located on your red, white, and blue Medicare card) and one additional piece of information, such as your Social Security Number (SSN), address, Medicare effective date(s), or whether you have Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and/or Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) coverage.

Below is a summary chart of who likely pays first. If you would like a copy of the Medicare booklet referenced in the chart, titled, “Medicare and Other Health Benefits: Your Guide to Who Pays First,” call 1-800-633-4227, (which is 1-800-Medicare), and ask for CMS Product Number 02179, and tell them the title of the booklet.

Please note: In some cases, if you are entitled to, but don’t have, the first payer coverage, the second payer won’t cover you.  This can be vital information to know in some employer retiree plans and COBRA cases.  For instance, if you are 65 and older, and retired, and you do not enroll in Medicare, it is possible that your retiree coverage won’t cover you.  Check with your retiree plan to be sure.

*If your employer participates in a plan that is sponsored by two or more employers, the rules are slightly different.

Kris Gross from the State of Iowa’s Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) says, “When you get health care services, record the dates on a calendar and save the receipts and statements you get from your providers. Compare this information with the summary you get from Medicare to make sure you or Medicare weren’t billed for services or items you didn’t get.”  To assist with this process call SHIIP’s toll free number at 1-800-351-4664 (TTY 1-800-735-2942) to request a free Medicare claims tracking envelope.

Once your Original Medicare claims have been processed, you can review them three ways.  Look at your Medicare Summary Notice or call 1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227; TTY 1-877-486-2048).  If you don’t want to wait for your Medicare Summary Notice to view your Medicare claims, you can go to www.MyMedicare.gov.  This is a secure website where you can view your personal Medicare information.  Your claims will generally be available within 24 hours after Medicare receives the claim and processes it.  If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan ( for example an HMO or PPO) or a Medicare prescription drug plan, you may call your plan for more information about a claim.

Review each Summary Notice you get to make sure Medicare wasn’t billed for services or items you didn’t get.  If you see a charge that may be wrong, call the doctor, health care provider or supplier to ask about it.  The person you speak to may be able to give you information to help you understand the services or supplies you received.  Or, they may realize a billing error was made that needs to be corrected.

If you contacted the provider and you suspect that Medicare is being charged for a service or supply that you didn’t get, or you do not know the provider on the claim, call 1-800-Medicare.

If you have questions about your Medicare claims contact SHIIP, a free, confidential service of the state of Iowa. You can call 1-800-351-4664 (TTY1-800-735-2942), go to www.therightcalliowa.gov or e-mail shiip@iid.iowa.gov.

Press Release from National Area Agencies on Aging Association (n4a) on the Older Americans Act Reauthorization

This morning, the U.S. Administration on Aging (AoA) made public a set of 11 principles related to the current reauthorization of the Older Americans Act (OAA). n4a has reviewed the document and begun the process of getting further details, where available, from AoA.

Intended to offer technical assistance to Congress as it considers OAA reauthorization, the AoA principles reflect the Administration’s response to what it heard in its 2010 OAA listening sessions and offer suggestions to lawmakers that, while specific, stop short of formal recommendations.

Several of the ideas presented in the AoA document reflect some of n4a’s reauthorization priorities, including consolidation of the Title C1 and C2 nutrition programs, advancing the capacity of the Aging Network, and promoting evidence-based health promotion and disease prevention.

n4a does not agree with every aspect of AoA’s approach to these issues, however, and will be actively working with the Administration and Congress to address any areas of concern. Specifically, we are concerned that in several instances the principles pull local dollars up to the state level—whether by allowing a carve-out of III B funds for legal services with only optional funding through AAAs or permitting states to keep III D funds from reaching every PSA.

The larger context for these AoA principles is that the Senate HELP Subcommittee on Primary Health and Aging, chaired by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), is actively writing legislation to reauthorization OAA. n4a is working closely with this committee, and other Senate offices interested in reauthorization, to promote our priorities and provide the AAA and Title VI perspective on other proposals being pushed by lawmakers.

While the House has not yet taken up OAA—and we do not expect them to do so until early 2012—the Senate HELP Committee remains focused on moving a bill through committee this fall. More to come!

AoA’s Reauthorization Principles Document: http://aoa.gov/AoARoot/AoA_Programs/OAA/Reauthorization/docs/OAAreauth_summaries_stakehldrs.pdf

CLASS Repeal

This has not been a good month for the CLASS program, the long-term services and supports social insurance system passed as a part of Affordable Care Act (ACA) to help individual workers financially protect themselves from long-term care expenses. On October 14, HHS Secretary Sebelius informed Congress that the Administration, despite nearly a year of intensive work, had “not identified a way to make CLASS work at this time.”

n4a and other advocates of CLASS realize that we must keep this conversation going—despite this major set-back, the needs of millions of American workers and families have not changed, nor have the complications of financing long-term services and supports lessened in any way.

Last week, the House Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing on CLASS, where Assistant Secretary for Aging Kathy Greenlee testified that “while we have had to suspend our work on implementing CLASS, we remain committed to making sure that people will be able to get the long-term care they need.”

The latest political skirmish over CLASS happened earlier this week, when Senator John Thune (R-SD) attempted to repeal CLASS on a Unanimous Consent (UC) vote in the Senate. While CLASS is not advancing administratively at this time, advocates believe it is unnecessary to repeal it, and leaving it in the law at least provides a building block for future progress.

Luckily, Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) blocked the UC vote, noting that 70 percent of people over 65 will require long-term services and supports at some point in their lives and that 40 percent of people who need long-term services supports are under the age of 65.

FY 2012 Appropriations

Two weeks from now, the continuing resolution (CR) that funds the government through November 18 by keeping most programs frozen at existing levels will expire.

n4a can report that appropriations work is being advanced in the interim, with House and Senate negotiators finding modest success in passing small clusters of two or four appropriations bills merged together to form “minibus” bills. Instead of putting up to 12 of the bills together as one “omnibus,” as has been the trend in recent years, these minibuses may prove key to finishing FY 2012 appropriations bills in 2011. We also expect Congress to pass another CR, potentially even before this one expires, that would go into December and buy lawmakers more time to do their work.

The spending bill that includes OAA and other critical social supports for older adults, however, retains its reputation as being one of the hardest to pass, given its size and popularity for political battles. The Labor/HHS/Education bill is likely to be one of the last to be finalized, but n4a continues our advocacy to convince appropriators to fund OAA programs at the highest possible levels.