A program designed to assist older Missourians with accessing COVID-19 vaccine launched today. In partnership with the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), Missouri’s Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) will assist seniors with online vaccination registration, coordinate round trip transportation to and from their vaccination appointments, and conduct reminder calls for seniors’ second doses.
“Navigating the web and registering online can be a challenge for seniors, so we’re working closely with the AAAs to provide hands-on assistance with the process and make sure that folks have safe transportation to their appointments, “ said Jessica Bax, Director of the Division of Senior and Disability Services. “This partnership with the AAAs will ensure all Missouri seniors are able to access their vaccine.”
Seniors age 60 and older can seek assistance with the vaccination registration process by calling their local AAA, Aging Matters 573-335-2482.
“AAAs are a trusted resource, rooted in every community across the State of Missouri,” said Ann McGruder, Executive Director of the Missouri Association of Area Agencies on Aging. “They are dedicated to serving seniors and meeting all their needs, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. AAAs will play a vital role as DHSS works to ensure that every older Missourian has access to a COVID-19 vaccine.”
All Missourians age 65 and older are currently eligible for vaccination. Additionally, those with certain high-risk health factors are also eligible now. More information is available at MOStopsCovid.com/seniors.
The Missouri Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives (MO-ACHE) recognizes Lisa Newcomer, RRT, MBA, FACHE, Service Line Director of Cancer Services at Saint Francis Healthcare System, as one of four recipients of its annual President’s Award.
"Lisa is an exemplary leader who has been instrumental in our Healthcare System's response to COVID-19," shared Maryann Reese, RN, MHA, DHA, FACHE, President and Chief Executive Officer of Saint Francis Healthcare System. "She goes above and beyond daily and is the epitome of servant leadership. Because of her dedication to our Mission and Values, no one is more deserving of this recognition than Lisa."
Each year, MO-ACHE recognizes distinguished leaders whose actions provide superior value to the chapter and other healthcare executives at the local level. The program is designed to acknowledge the outstanding accomplishments of its members.
"This awards program recognizes our members not just for the efforts they make but also the impact they have on the chapter. We are proud to recognize Lisa Newcomer as a President’s Award recipient," said Chapter President W. Bryant McNally, JD, MPH, FACHE, Division Vice President of Membership Services with the Missouri Hospital Association.
MO-ACHE members are eligible for The President's and Regent Awards - each recognizing individual achievements. In recognition of their accomplishments, winners received special recognition during the Chapter's Annual Business Meeting, were awarded individual plaques and will be highlighted in the next Chapter Newsletter.
Saint Francis Healthcare System is guided by our mission to provide a ministry of healing, wellness, quality and love inspired by our faith in Jesus Christ. Founded by Franciscan Sisters in 1875, our priority remains the same: serve all who enter with dignity, compassion and joy. Serving nearly 715,000 people across Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee and Arkansas, our focus is on patients' outcomes, experience and value.
Anchored by Saint Francis Medical Center, a 306-bed tertiary hospital, and supported by nearly 3,000 colleagues and 300 providers in 11 communities, the Healthcare System is a driving economic force in the region. Major services include Primary Care, Gastroenterology, Cancer Institute, Emergency and Level III Trauma Center, Heart Hospital, Neurosciences, Orthopedics, Family BirthPlace and the region’s first Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
Pictured: Pictured from left to right: Lisa Newcomer, RRT, MBA, FACHE, Service Line Director of Cancer Services, and Maryann Reese, RN, MHA, DHA, FACHE, President and Chief Executive Officer at Saint Francis Healthcare System.
Article and photo submitted.
Medicare on my Mind
Medicare Prescription drug plan open enrollment will soon be upon us. October 15-December 7 is the time to join a Medicare Prescription Drug plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan if you have never enrolled previously. Beneficiaries may also switch their drug plan, or switch between a drug plan and an Advantage plan. Any changes made during this time will take effect on January 1, 2021. Medicare prescription drug plans cover only prescription medicine. Medicare Advantage plans are managed care programs that cover Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B and usually Medicare Part D. Advantage plans can offer benefits that original Medicare does not.
It is recommended that all Medicare beneficiaries look at what is available during open enrollment even if the plan you have was great this year. Many things can change with a prescription drug plan including the monthly premium and the deductible. The plans can also change what medicines they cover, what tier the medicines are on and the co-pays for each medication.
Because of COVID-19, our office will have some procedures in place to limit the possible exposure to our staff and our clients. We have a mandatory mask policy. If you enter our office, we require you to wear a mask. Masks, gloves and hand sanitizer will be available if needed. The staff will also be wearing masks and we will be cleaning doors, chairs and all surface areas between clients. We will only be working by appointment; we are unable to take walk-ins at this time. When you arrive for your appointment you will be screened and your temperature taken by staff. You will be given a pager and asked to wait in your car until your counselor is available. When we are finished, with a client we will clean the room and then activate the pager you were given and you will be let in the office. I know this sounds a little extreme but we take the safety of our clients and staff very seriously.
We can do most Medicare Part D appointments by phone. If you are in our area but not the Cape Girardeau area or if you feel more comfortable not getting out, we can schedule a phone appointment. We handle phone appointments the same as an in-person appointment; you will need to have your Medicare card and a list of your medicines. We will enter the information into the Medicare.gov system and let you know what plans cover your medicine at the best cost for you. We will do our best to assist in any way possible.
When you are reviewing your coverage for 2021, it is also a great time to check to see if you are eligible for any of the Extra Help programs. For those who meet the income and asset guidelines there is help to pay the Medicare Part D premiums and assist with co-pays for medicine, for a single person the income guideline is $1,615 monthly with an asset limit of $14,610. A married couple can have income of $2,175 and assets of $29,160. Programs are also available that can help pay the Medicare Part B premium. Please ask us about savings programs when we look at your Part D for next year.
To make an appointment for Medicare Part D or for more information call Aging Matters at 1-800-392-8771.
Scammology 101
My niece Haley recently left for college. Such an amazing time for kids. So many changes, so much learning to do. We can all use this time to educate ourselves about more scams that are circulating in our area. No matter what happens, the scammers have a way to take advantage of it.
One common scam is very simple; you get a call from your bank or Social Security or even the IRS. They tell you your information has been hacked and you need to give them your information to secure your account. Any information you give is then used to empty your account or steal your identity. Social Security, Medicare and the IRS do not call you to let you know your information is at risk. Never give out information to someone that calls you. Remember that even if your caller id says “Medicare” that can be spoofed and may not be the correct information, either the name or the number.
There are even swindles about the Coronavirus. There are no home testing kits or home remedies for the Coronavirus. If someone is offering this, it is a scam and could not only cost you money but could hurt your health. Do not take home remedies or cures. If you have questions about COVID, Missouri has a toll free number 877-435-8411 that you can call for correct information.
If you do become a victim of a scammer there are things you can do to mitigate the damage. If you believe, they have access to bank accounts, contact your bank. They will help you change your account and guide you on your next steps. If it is credit card information, contact your credit card company to cancel the card.
Report any scams to your local police. Many of the scams are conducted out of the US but you may need a record of the report for your bank or the credit card company. In addition, you can report phone and other scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) 1-877-382-4357, report Social Security imposters online to SSA’s Inspector General or call 1-800-269-0271 to report by phone. Report IRS imposters to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), call TIGTA at 1-800-366-4484.
By reporting the fraud, you are helping them compile more information about the scammers and the tactics they use.
As kids go back to school and begin a new year of learning we all, need to be vigilant and continue our own learning. If you have questions or think you have been a victim of a scam, you can call Aging Matters 800-392-8771.
Things are changing quickly in 2020. We are asked to wear masks and social distance. We are buying our groceries through different avenues and having them delivered to our home or at least our car. Restaurants are offering curbside service and delivery providers will bring you almost anything. Even the way we see our doctors has changed. My mom’s doctor has her call to check in when she arrives, the office will call her when they are ready to see her. This is responsible and effective at keeping patients separated. Another way to avoid the crowds when seeing the doctor is using a telehealth option.
According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Medicare will now cover telehealth services. Telehealth is an office visit, psychotherapy or consultation that is provided by an eligible provider who is not at the same location as you, using an interactive 2-way telecommunication system. You can “see” your doctor on your smart phone or laptop without leaving your home. Doctors can speak with you and “see” you and what issues you may have. They can diagnose a new issue or treat ongoing issues. They can prescribe medicines and can offer counseling services. Telehealth should not be used for an emergency.
There are several benefits to telehealth. First, you limit your exposure to other illnesses. COVID-19 is not the only virus out there. Without the exposure to viruses and other germs, we can stay healthier, even through flu season. There is less time waiting in an office and for those still working less time taken off work for routine appointments. In addition, there is no transportation involved so if you struggle getting to a doctor this could be a great help. Medicare will pay the standard 80% for approved telehealth services.
Another thing that is a change for many on Medicare is making a MyMedicare account. A MyMedicare account lets you have access to your Medicare information all in one place. It is free, it is secure and it is easy to set up and access. If you need to look at a Medicare Summary Notice but have not received it yet, log in to your account. Lost your Medicare prescription card and need your id number, log into your account. Need to know how much of a Part B deductible you have left, log into your account. If you need help setting up a MyMedicare account we will be happy to help you, call Aging Matters 800-392-8771 and we can talk you through the process.
Do not forget if you have not responded to the 2020 Census yet, please do. For every Missourian that does not respond, Missouri loses $1,300. So much funding for seniors, schools, roads and fire departments is based on census data. The more reporting we get, the more funding we get.
Responding is very easy; you can do it on-line CLICK HERE by phone 844-330-2020 or by mail if you received the census survey. You have to report basic information about those living in your home on April1, 2020. The census will not ask you information about your banking accounts or credit cards. It will not ask for a social security number and they will not ask for money or donations. Door canvassing will begin August 11. If someone comes to your door saying, they are a census worker you can check to make sure that they have a valid ID badge, with their photograph, a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark, and an expiration date. If you still have concerns, call 844-330-220 to speak with a Census Bureau Representative. If someone claims to be a census worker and they are not, please call your local police. Do not let anyone in your home, census workers will stand outside to speak with you.
The new normal for many of us may mean less social interaction and more reliance on technology, but let’s not forget to go outside on occasion. Sit on the porch and watch the sunset. Go fishing. Go on a picnic. Throw the ball around or watch a game. We can still do all these things and be safe.
If you have questions about Medicare, the 2020 Census or aging in general, please call Aging Matters 800-392-8771.
