How to avoid Medicare Open Enrollment scams

How to avoid Medicare Open Enrollment scams By Bridget Small October is time for cooler days, warmer drinks, and the start of Medicare Open Enrollment Period.  If you have Medicare, October 15 – December 7 is when you can make changes to your Medicare health and Part D prescription drug plans.  About now, you'll probably be seeing ads from plans by mail, email, phone, and on TV. You might hear from scammers, too — but how will you know? Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/10/how-avoid-medicare-open-enrollment-scams

Medicare covers opioid treatment services

While prescription opioid pain medications can help treat pain after surgery or an injury, they carry serious risks like addiction. If you or a loved one are struggling with opioid use disorder, Medicare covers treatment services that can help.

These services may include medication coverage, counseling, drug testing, individual and group therapy, and more. Certain services, like counseling and therapy, are available both in-person and virtually.

Learn More -> https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/opioid-use-disorder-treatment-services

The first step is talking with a doctor about treatment options. People with Medicare can also visit Medicare.gov to search for treatment locations nearby.

Sincerely,

The Medicare Team

Planning for Medicare - Countdown to 65 -> seminar at Senior Center July 19 at 5:30 PM

If you're getting close to Medicare eligibility, this seminar is for you. Whether you are planning to retire or will continue to work, it's important to know your Medicare options.

Did you know that missing your Medicare enrollment deadlines could cost you money? We know that Medicare can be confusing, so we designed this seminar to help you be confident you're making the right health coverage decisions.

What will Planning for Medicare-Countdown to 65 cover?

This seminar is a presentation and discussion led by a knowledgeable Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts representative. We'll be sure to answer your specific questions, in addition to covering these topics:   

Planning for Medicare

• Explanation of Medicare Parts A, B, and C

• Medicare enrollment timeline

• Medigap plans that help supplement Medicare coverage

• Medicare Advantage plans, such as HMOs and PPOs

• Medicare Part D prescription drug plans

• Plans and programs available to early retirees, such as COBRA

BlueCross BlueShield of Massachusetts is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ® Registered Marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. © 2016 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Inc., and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts HMO Blue, Inc.

Download the flyer as a reminder or to share -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wz2KX7CseVqC3ZeofYzVqJznq3Ka3cgE/view?usp=drive_link

Medicare Fraud Prevention Week

"Did you know that Medicare fraud costs Americans an estimated $60 billion per year? It also affects Medicare beneficiaries in terms of time, stress, and health.

Learn how to protect yourself and others against these scams. Join Social Security and the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) for Medicare Fraud Prevention Week from June 5-11, 2023. You can remember the start date as “6-5,” as most people become eligible for Medicare when they turn 65 years old."

Continue reading about what you can do to help Medicare fraud ->

https://blog.ssa.gov/medicare-fraud-prevention-week/ 

Medicare Fraud Prevention Week

Take this action to protect your bones

Don't wait for a bone break — get tested for osteoporosis.

Many people with osteoporosis don't know they have it until they break a bone. If you think you may be at risk, talk with your doctor about getting a bone mass measurement. This test can help prevent or detect osteoporosis at an early stage, when treatment works best.  Medicare Part B covers a bone mass measurement once every 24 months (more often if medically necessary) — at no cost to you when your doctor orders it. Learn More Along with getting tested, here are more ways to keep your bones strong: Eat foods that support bone health, like leafy green vegetables and fish Exercise by doing weight-bearing activities, like strength training or hiking Don't smoke, and limit your alcohol consumption Remember: Your risk of osteoporosis grows as you get older. 1 in 5 women and 1 in 20 men over the age of 50 will develop osteoporosis, so it's important to take steps early to help protect your bones! Sincerely, The Medicare Team This message is paid for by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It was created and distributed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Take this action to protect your bones

Medicare for You: What You Need to Know (Part 2)

This is part two of our series on Medicare benefits. Did you miss the first blog? Please check it out here.

"Did you know you can save money on Medicare costs this year? The Inflation Reduction Act which President Biden signed into law in August 2022, will help you save money on Medicare prescription drug costs and recommended adult vaccines starting in 2023.

Let’s explore a few of the ways that this new law will lower your Medicare prescription drug costs."

Continue reading the article online ->  

https://blog.ssa.gov/medicare-for-you-what-you-need-to-know-part-2/

Medicare for You: What You Need to Know (Part 2)

Medicare for You: What You Need to Know

"We invited the Administrator to share helpful information on Medicare coverage. This is part 1 in the two-part series.

Your health is important and needs to be protected. If you are 65 or older, or have certain disabilities, or End-Stage Renal Disease, you can get health care coverage through the Medicare program. You’ll get access to health care services you need to achieve and maintain good health.

It’s important to review your Medicare coverage options and find an affordable option that meets your health care needs."

Continue reading the article online -> https://blog.ssa.gov/medicare-for-you-what-you-need-to-know/

Medicare for You: What You Need to Know

Find out if you or someone you know qualifies for discounted internet service

Eligible households can get discounted high-speed internet service.

Find out if you can get help with your internet service costs If you or someone you know needs help paying for internet service, you may qualify for a monthly discount on a new or existing internet service plan through a government program called the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). You may also qualify for a one-time device discount of up to $100, to buy a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers. Do I Qualify? To apply, visit AffordableConnectivity.gov or call 1-877-384-2575 to request an application. Once your application is approved, you can contact a participating internet service provider to start receiving your monthly discount. Only one monthly service discount and one device discount is allowed per household. Research suggests increased broadband Internet access is associated with improved health outcomes. Broadband makes it easier for people to take advantage of information on Medicare.gov, like comparing the quality of nursing homes and hospitals, or finding the health plan that's best for you. Sincerely, The Medicare Team This message is paid for by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It was created and distributed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. You're receiving this message because you signed up for email updates from the Medicare Team.

Medicare.gov: "We saved money on our premium. Comparing plans pays."

Have you checked out the 25 Medicare drug plans available in your area (02038), including 4 new plans? Now's the time to find the best plan for your needs and budget — you may even find a plan that saves you money! Compare Plans Here are a few tips: Log in with your Medicare account — and add your prescription drugs and local pharmacies — to get more personalized recommendations. When comparing plans, look at the estimated "Yearly Drug & Premium Cost." A plan with the lowest premium may not always give you the lowest total cost. Important: If your income for 2022 is below $18,600 ($25,000 for married couples), you may be able to save on your monthly Medicare premiums and other out-of-pocket Medicare costs, including prescription drug costs. See if you qualify for Medicare Savings Programs and learn how to apply. Sincerely, The Medicare Team This message is paid for by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It was created and distributed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Medicare covers opioid addiction treatment services

Medicare covers treatment services that can help people recover from opioid use disorder.

Treating Opioid Addiction While prescription opioid pain medications can help treat pain after surgery or an injury, they carry serious risks like addiction. If you or a loved one are struggling with opioid addiction, Medicare covers treatment services that can help. These services help people with Medicare recover from opioid addiction and include medication coverage (like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone), counseling, drug testing, individual and group therapy, and more. Certain services, like counseling and therapy, are available both in-person and virtually. Learn More The first step is talking with a doctor about treatment options, and where to go to get help. People with Medicare can also visit Medicare.gov and select their state to find local treatment programs. Sincerely, The Medicare Team This message is paid for by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It was created and distributed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. You're receiving this message because you signed up for email updates from the Medicare Team.

Are you up to date on your vaccinations, including COVID-19 boosters?

Catch up on vaccines to protect yourself against serious illness.

Stay up to date on your vaccines It's especially important to stay up to date on your vaccines. Vaccines protect you from serious illness and can even keep you out of the hospital. Talk with your doctor about which vaccines may be right for you, many of which Medicare covers:  COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots. Staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines (including getting all recommended boosters when eligible) will keep you best protected from severe COVID-19 illness. One flu shot per flu season. The CDC recommends getting your flu shot by the end of October to stay protected throughout flu season. Two different pneumococcal shots. Medicare covers the first shot at any time and a different, second shot if it's given at least one year after the first shot. Visit Medicare.gov to see what other vaccines Medicare covers, and talk with your doctor about staying up to date on your vaccines. Sincerely, The Medicare Team This message is paid for by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It was created and distributed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. You're receiving this message because you signed up for email updates from the Medicare Team.

Talk with your family about getting the little ones vaccinated against COVID-19

Talk with your family about getting the little ones vaccinated. In case you missed it, CDC now recommends COVID-19 vaccines for everyone 6 months and older, and boosters for everyone 5 years and older. COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective at preventing children from getting seriously sick. Learn More If your loved ones have questions, you can share these 6 important things to know about COVID-19 vaccinations for children. Visit CDC.gov for more information on COVID-19 vaccines and dosage for children and teens. Sincerely, The Medicare Team This message is paid for by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It was created and distributed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. You're receiving this message because you signed up for email updates from the Medicare Team.

Get over the counter COVID-19 tests at no cost

Good news! Starting this week, you can get up to 8 over-the-counter COVID-19 tests per month for free. You'll be able to pick up tests from eligible pharmacies and other participating healthcare providers. Contact your local pharmacy to see if they are participating and to make sure they have tests available. Learn More Remember to bring your red, white, and blue Medicare card with you when you get your COVID-19 tests. Over-the-counter at-home tests give rapid results and you can take them anywhere, regardless of your vaccination status or whether or not you have symptoms. Visit CDC.gov to learn when to test yourself, how to use an over-the-counter test, and what your test results mean. Sincerely, The Medicare Team This message is paid for by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It was created and distributed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. You're receiving this message because you signed up for email updates from the Medicare Team.

Medicare.gov: 3 things you can do to protect yourself from Omicron (vax, boost, mask!)

Help stop the Omicron COVID-19 variant by using all the tools to protect yourself and others.

Protect yourself from Omicron The Omicron variant spreads more easily than the original virus that causes COVID-19. Here are 3 things you can do to help protect yourself and others: Get the COVID-19 vaccine, if you haven't already. Vaccines are the best tool to protect us from COVID-19. They slow the transmission of the virus, and provide strong protection against severe illness and hospitalization. Get the booster when you're fully eligible. Everyone 18 years and older should get a booster shot 2 months after their Johnson & Johnson vaccine, or 5 months after completing their primary COVID-19 vaccination series of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna. Adolescents and teens ages 12 to 17 should also get a booster of Pfizer-BioNTech 5 months after their primary series. Continue wearing a mask in indoor public places in areas of high or substantial community transmission. Use the COVID-19 County Check Tool to find your county's level of community transmission. Learn More Remember: Medicare covers the COVID-19 vaccine and booster shot at no cost to you. Visit Vaccines.gov to find COVID-19 vaccines and boosters near you. Sincerely, The Medicare Team This message is paid for by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It was created and distributed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. You're receiving this message because you signed up for email updates from the Medicare Team.