Page 23 - November 2018

“Avoid Medicare Fraud & Scams” BRIDGE BITES
Bridge Bites is sponsored by the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL). ACBL’s
By Dr.Sherry McCoy, PhD And one more thing – NEVER give Marketing Director, Vicki Campbell promotes Bridge Bites in the United States and
Stop Senior Scams Acting Program* your Medicare Number to anyone you Canada. NBY! provides a way to reach the bridge players of Southern California. It
don’t know or don’t trust. Guard your encourages participation in duplicate bridge. There are dozens of bridge clubs in the
Stop Senior Medicare Card and Number as if it area and they welcome players of every skill and experience level- many provide
lessons for newcomers to the game. Enjoy a engaging, stimulating game in a friendly
Scams from were Gold! To report Medicare fraud and social environment somewhere close by.
or marketing violations, contact the
Happening Senior Medicare Patrol at 1-855-613- Visit www.acbl.org and search the Club Directory to find a group near you.
7080. Contact the FTC at 877-382-4357
or https://
www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/
#crnt&panel1-1 for other types of fraud.
It’s hard to believe, but November has PASS IT ON!
arrived. (Hint: That means 2018 is almost Together we can stand strong against
over!) If you’re like me, there’s probably a senior fraud!
lot to do between now and the beginning of Remember: You may be a target, but
2019. First off, please don’t forget to VOTE you don’t have to be a victim!
on November 6! That is really important.
And secondly — but equally as important — ¹ Flyer from California Senior
please take some time to make an informed, Medicare Patrol,
reasonable decision about your Medicare www.cahealthadvocates.org, “A Story
Health Plan coverage for 2019. Every year, About Betty & the Medicare Health
Medicare offers beneficiaries an opportunity Plan, Making the Right Choice.”
to make changes in coverage for the coming Dr. Sherry McCoy, PhD, is a freelance
year. This period is called Open Enrollment writer & actor for the Stop Senior
and runs from October 15 to December 7. Scams ! Acting Program (SSSAP) in Los
During Open Enrollment, you can compare Angeles. Save the Dates – SSSAP
plans and determine if you’d like to make a performs (free): Nov. 1, 10am – 2pm, 4 th
change to a different plan. Comparing Annual Senior Citizens Community
plans can be a daunting process, and a bit Resource Fair, Friendship Auditorium,
confusing and overwhelming. But 3201 Riverside Dr., LA, CA 90027; Nov.
fortunately, there’s HICAP (Health 28, 1:30 – 2:30pm, LA Oasis, Wise and
th
nd
Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Healthy Aging, 1527 4 Street, 2 floor,
Program) to help with the decision making Santa Monica, CA 90401; and Dec. 1, 1 –
process. You can call HICAP at 1-800-434- 2pm, John C. Fremont Library, 6121
0222 for free and unbiased Medicare Melrose Ave., LA, CA 90038 We are
counseling. And there’s more good news — looking for seniors to participate in
If you are satisfied with your current plan, our SSSAP volunteer touring company,
there is no need to change anything!¹ which was recently recognized by the
U.S. Senate Committee on Aging. For
It’s important to know that Medicare more information, please contact
plans must follow certain guidelines / rules Adrienne Omansky at
when marketing their health care plans. SSSAP4U@gmail.com. Follow SSSAP
Here’s what they CANNOT do.¹ on Facebook at https://
www.facebook.com/SSSAP2016/
1) Visit your home without an ?fref=ts. Questions for the writer
invitation from you. should be directed to “Dear Sherry” at
2) Harass you on the telephone. Not Born Yesterday! P.O. Box 722, Brea, BRIDGE PLAYERS: Need a game or a partner? The Las Palmas
3) Offer you special deals, like cash or CA 92822 or nbynews@juno.com. Senior Center at 1820 N. Las Palmas (Las Palmas at Franklin Ave)
groceries, if you join their health has the answer! Games Tuesdays and Fridays 10:30am to 2:30pm.
plan. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY Call for more information 1-323-485-7787 or 1-818-781-1538.
4) Sell you non-health related
products such as a life insurance WITH STOP SENIOR SCAMS.
policy or an annuity. CONTACT ADRIENNE AT
5) Pressure you to join their particular SSSAP4U@GMAIL.COM Volunteer at the
NE P PERSONERSON C CANAN
NE
NE PERSON CAN
health care plan, e.g., saying things O O O O ONENE P PERSONERSON C CANAN
like —”You have to join this plan Food Center
AKE A D A DIFFERENCEIFFERENCE
AKE
AKE A DIFFERENCE
or you won’t have coverage next M M M M MAKEAKE A D A DIFFERENCEIFFERENCE
year.” STOP SENIOR SCAMS Foothill Unity Center, Inc.
6) Sign a health plan enrollment form ACTING PROGRAM Older Adults offer more to 415 West Chestnut Avenue,
for you. Free Performancances the world each and every day Monrovia, Ca 91016
Nov. 1, 10am – 2pm, 4 Annual Senior in many different ways. 626.358.3486
th
If you do decide to switch Medicare health Citizens Community Resource Fair,
plans, MAKE SURE that.¹ Friendship Auditorium, Share your knowledge, information@foothillunitycenter.org
3201 Riverside Dr., LA, CA 90027; your experiences, your www.foothillunitycenter.org
1) The doctors you wish to continue to compassion and contribute to Nonprofit Corporation under section
see will accept the new plan; and Nov. 28, 1:30 – 2:30pm, LA Oasis, Wise making this country the best 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
2) The medications you’ve been and Healthy Aging, 1527 4 Street, 2 nd place to live. Tax Number 95-4310817
th
prescribed are included in the floor, Santa Monica, CA 90401; and
formulary of the new plan. Dec. 1, 1 – 2pm,
John C. Fremont Library,
6121 Melrose Ave., LA, CA 90038 BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD
November 2018 23