Free Virtual Medicare Education

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Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Senior LinkAge Line has paused its in-person assistance, presentations and Medicare classes for the rest of the 2020 calendar year. This means there will be no in-person help or meetings during Medicare Open Enrollment this year, which happens annually from October 15 – December 7. But the Senior LinkAge Line can still help. We will be offering online classes and counseling sessions. They include:

  • Virtual Welcome to Medicare classes twice a month
  • Virtual Medicare Open Enrollment Period counseling sessions
    • Appointments will be held between October 15 and December 6.
    • You can begin making an appointment starting October 1.
    • Beginning October 1, act quickly as space is limited.

Please remember that during this difficult time, the Senior LinkAge Line continues to be a resource for older adults and their families. We can help you find resources and make connections with alternative services if your provider or support network has changed or temporarily stopped providing services.

The Minnesota Board on Aging, Minnesota’s Area Agencies on Aging and the Minnesota Department of Human Services are working closely together to share information to make sure that all parts of the state have the resources they need to support older Minnesotans and caregivers.

To find out more information, call 800-333-2433 or chat with a specialist at www.minnesotahelp.info Monday – Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The Senior LinkAge Line is a free service of the Minnesota Board on Aging and the Area Agencies on Aging.

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News from the Senior LinkAge Line® – July 2020

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Medicare Open Enrollment – Here Before You Know it!

It is hard to believe, but Medicare Open Enrollment is right around the corner. Soon, people will begin receiving a deluge of mail from Social Security, Medicare, their health plan and other companies trying to sell them health insurance policies. Didn’t we just go through this? Here are some important things to remember to make sure you’re covered for 2021:

  • Be sure to read all notices you get from your Medicare plan about changes coming for next year, especially your Annual Notice of Change letter. Make sure your plan is still available in 2021. Also, make sure your plan will still cover your drugs and that your doctors are still in the plan’s network.
  • Did you know that some people are eligible to receive help in paying their Medicare Part D premiums and co-pays? In September, many people on the Extra Help Program will receive notices from Social Security about their continued eligibility in 2021. It is important to read these notices and follow the directions, such as returning a form by a certain date. Not doing so can put you at risk for losing this help.

Help Paying for Medicare

You can find out if you qualify for help paying for your Medicare, as mentioned above. Learn about programs that help with the costs of Medicare premiums, your Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Medicare Part B (medical insurance) deductibles, coinsurance and copayments and Medicare prescription drug coverage costs.

  • To find out if you might be eligible, call the Senior LinkAge Line at 800-333-2433.

Prior Authorization Needed for Some Outpatient Services

A new Prior Authorization Process for Certain Outpatient Department (OPD) Services began for services on or after July 1, 2020. This change was made because Medicare had seen a significant increase in the number of these services being performed. Services requiring pre-authorization include blepharoplasty, botulinum toxin injections, panniculectomy, rhinoplasty, and vein ablation.

COVID-19 Fraud

Scams related to the coronavirus are rapidly increasing as the public health emergency develops. Scammers are targeting older adults and those with serious long-term health conditions who appear to have a higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19. Fraudsters are attempting to bill Medicare for sham tests or treatments related to the coronavirus and are targeting individuals to illegally obtain money or Medicare numbers. Protect yourself from COVID-19 fraud?

  • Do not give out your Medicare number to anyone other than your doctor, health care provider or other trusted representative.
  • Protect your Medicare number and treat your Medicare card like a credit card.
  • Never provide your Medicare number or other personal information to anyone who contacts you through unsolicited calls, texts or emails.
  • Be cautious of anyone who comes to your door offering free coronavirus testing, treatment, or supplies.
  • Don’t click links from sources you don’t know. This could put your computer or device at risk. Be sure your anti-malware/anti-virus software is up-to-date.
  • Don’t buy medical supplies from unverified sources, including online advertisements and email/phone solicitations.
  • Ignore online offers for COVID-19 vaccinations. If you see ads for prevention products or cures for COVID-19, they are a scam.
  • Do your homework before donating to a charity or crowdfunding site. Be very cautious of any charities requesting donations by cash, gift card or wire transfer.
  • Be wary of “investment opportunities.” The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is warning people about online promotions claiming that the products or services of publicly traded companies can prevent, detect or cure COVID-19 and that the stock of these companies will dramatically increase in value as a result.
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Nursing Home Visiting During COVID-19

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Back in March, when the pandemic first reared its ugly head, businesses were closed, shelter in place was the new normal, and visiting loved ones in nursing homes and similar venues was no longer permitted. This put stress on the loved one, family caregivers who visited regularly and especially families that wanted to gather as one was in their final days of life.

As of this writing, the Minnesota Department of Health released updated guidance on Essential Caregiver. It allows facilities (not all facilities have to participate) to develop policies and procedures that would allow a family member or other determined caregiver, whether a friend, volunteer or outside caregiver, to visit the person in the facility on a scheduled basis. The essential caregiver will have to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment and follow other facility guidelines related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As previously mentioned, a facility does not have to follow this program, so please reach out to the facility where your loved one resides to inquire about this program. When visiting your loved one, whether virtually, outdoors or through this program, remember to:

Contact the facility and see what their guidelines are;

  • Ask your loved one what they prefer (phone, virtual, other); and,
  • Respect other residents’ privacy when visiting.
  • Don’t forget that outdoor visitation is an option as well. The weather is beautiful right now in Minnesota, so take advantage of this program.

More information can be found at the Minnesota Department of Health webpage (www.health.state.mn.us). Stay tuned because this is a fluid situation.

Finally, the facilities are doing their best to work with you. They understand the hardship this is putting your loved one and their families under. Please work with and follow the guidance given to you by the facility.

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Best Wishes to Ron Skjong

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(Pictured above, from left to right: Ron Skjong, Program Developer Molly Peterson, Executive Director Jason Swanson. Picture from Mark Wilmes, Tyler Tribute Editor)

Ron Skjong joined the MNRAAA Board of Directors in 2018. He has served as Vice Chair of the Board, Audit Committee Chair and a member of the Finance Committee. During Ron’s tenure with the board, he has helped guide the organization through the transition of a new executive director and helped establish new partners in the Lincoln County Area. Ron has been an asset to our organization and we wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

If you are interested in learning more about the Board of Directors for MNRAAA, please contact Jason W. Swanson at [email protected].

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