Pennsylvania Department of Aging Launches a Medicare Fraud Hotline for Older Adults: Run Through the Senior Medicare Patrol With Federal Grant Funding
Pennsylvania has launched a toll free hotline to help Medicare beneficiaries report suspected fraud, errors and abuse as older adults navigate changes to their health coverage during the annual open enrollment period. The Pennsylvania Department of Aging announced the hotline this week through the state Senior Medicare Patrol program. The hotline number is 877-435-7014, open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Jason Kavulich, the secretary of aging, said beneficiaries can call the hotline for free and confidential fraud assistance. He said the department is always looking for additional ways to protect older adults and the programs that serve them, and credited its education and outreach team with securing federal grant funding to stand up the new program.
Medicare open enrollment runs through December 7 and allows beneficiaries to join, switch or drop Medicare Advantage and prescription drug coverage. State officials encouraged residents to be cautious about unsolicited calls and offers of free benefits, particularly requests for sensitive information such as Social Security or Medicare numbers.
The state is also directing beneficiaries to the Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight program, known as PA MEDI, which provides free independent counseling through the state 52 Area Agencies on Aging, including help comparing coverage options and checking eligibility for extra assistance programs.
Source: Pennsylvania Department of Aging
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
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