Reminder: Calls purporting to be from the IRS demanding a payment are a SCAM

12/04/2015 09:22 AM EST

(AUGUSTA) The Maine Attorney General's Office has noticed a recent increase in the number of Mainers calling to report they are the target of phone scams in which someone pretends to be calling to collect a debt owed to the Internal Revenue Service. Maine Attorney General Janet T. Mills is reminding people to be aware that these are scams and they should not give people credit card information or wire money.

"The IRS scam and others like it are the most common complaint we receive," said Attorney General Mills. "However, we have noticed a recent spike in the number of people calling our office to alert us and to complain specifically about IRS scams. On Thursday alone we received 61 contacts from Maine people. These are often randomly dialed calls, but for some reason the 207 area code seems to be their target in recent weeks. People should not engage the callers and hang up the phone. Do not give them personal information and do not wire them money."

Here's how they work: Scammers posing as IRS officials call and say you owe taxes. They threaten to arrest you, or deport you, or revoke your license, or even shut down your business if you don't pay right away. They may know your Social Security number - or at least the last four digits of it - making you think it really is the IRS calling. They also can rig caller ID to make it look like the call is coming from Washington, DC.

You are the instructed to put the money on a prepaid debit card and tell them the number - something no government agency would ask you to do. Once you do it, you find out it was a scam, and the money is gone.

"No governmental agency or legitimate business will call you up and demand an immediate payment by credit card, wire transfer or by pre-paid debit card," said Attorney General Janet T. Mills. "If you receive one of these calls, do not answer any of their questions. Hang up the phone immediately."

If you owe - or think you owe - federal taxes, call the IRS at 800-829-1040 or go to irs.gov. IRS workers can help you with your payment questions. The IRS doesn't ask people to pay with prepaid debit cards or wire transfers, and doesn't ask for credit card numbers over the phone. When the IRS contacts people about unpaid taxes, they usually do it by mail, not by phone.

One Maine resident recorded his interaction with a scammer claiming to be from the Internal Revenue Service and posted it to YouTube. The call illustrates several tactics used by phone scammers. They claimed to be from an entity that the target is familiar with and who he has the potential to owe money to - we all have to deal with the IRS at some point. When challenged about his authenticity, the scammer tried to reassure the target by giving a badge number in order to sound official. And finally, the payment could only be made by "Green Dot Money Pak," available at places like WalMart or drug store chains, and not by other means. The scammers are also not easily dissuaded; different people called repeatedly making the same claims in order to make him think they were legitimate.

Report IRS imposter scams to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) online or at 800-366-4484, and to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint.

If you have questions about these or other consumer matters, please contact the Consumer Protection Division of the Maine Attorney General's Office at 1(800) 436-2131 or consumer.mediation@maine.gov .

Medicare Open Enrollment: Five Things You Need to Do............. Open Enrollment ENDS DECEMBER 7th......

 

 

Posted on November 30, 2015 by Dr. Patrick Conway, CMS Principal Deputy Administrator and Chief Medical Officer

Routines help keep us focused, organized, and even healthy. However, if your health routine doesn’t include preparing for Medicare’s Open Enrollment, now’s the time to kick-start a new healthy habit.
If you have a Medicare health or prescription drug plan, you should review and compare coverage options. The Open Enrollment runs through December 7 and is the time you can make changes to your plan. Even if you’re happy with your current coverage, you might find a better fit for your budget or your health needs. If you miss an Open Enrollment deadline, you’ll most likely have to wait a full year before you can change your plan.
Here are five things every Medicare beneficiary can do to get in the Medicare Open Enrollment routine.

1. Review your plan notice. Be sure to read any notices from your Medicare plan about changes for next year, especially your “Annual Notice of Change” letter. Look at your plan’s information to make sure your drugs are still covered and your doctors are still in network.

2. Think about what matters most to you. Medicare health and drug plans change each year and so can your health needs. Do you need a new primary care doctor? Does your network include the specialist you want for an upcoming surgery? Does your current plan cover your new medications? Does another plan offer the same value at a lower cost? Take stock of your health status and determine if you need to make a change.

3. Find out if you qualify for help paying for your Medicare. Learn about programs in your state to help with the costs of Medicare premiums, your Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Medicare Part B (medical insurance) deductibles, coinsurance and co-payments, and Medicare prescription drug coverage costs. Visit Medicare.gov or make an appointment with a local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselor if you need help.

4. Shop for plans that meet your needs and fit your budget. You can use the Medicare Plan Finder tool to see what other plans are offered in your area. A new plan may:

• Cost less;
• Cover your drugs costs; or
• Let you use the providers you want, like your doctor or pharmacy.

If you find that your current coverage still meets your needs, then you don’t need to make any changes. Remember, during Medicare Open Enrollment, you can decide to stay in Original Medicare or join a Medicare Advantage Plan. If you’re already in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can switch back to Original Medicare.

5. Check your plan’s star rating before you enroll. The Medicare Plan Finder includes Star Ratings for the 2016 Medicare health and prescription drug plans. Plans are rated for quality on a one- to five-star scale: one star represents poor performance and five stars represent excellent performance. Be sure to use the ratings to compare the quality of any health and drug plans you are considering.

These are a few easy ways to get a jump-start on your Medicare Open Enrollment. For more information, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and say “Agent.” TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048. Help is available 24 hours a day, including weekends. If you need help in a language other than English or Spanish, let the customer service representative know the language. You can also visit a local SHIP counselor. SHIP counselors provide free, one-on-one, non-biased Medicare assistance. Get free personalized health insurance counseling by calling your SHIP at the number listed on the Medicare contacts page or call 1-800-MEDICARE.

Replacing Your Medicare Card – Know Before You Go (Online)

From the Social Security Administration Office:

Posted on August 27, 2015 by Doug Walker, Deputy Commissioner, Communications

Keeping your important personal documents safe can be challenging. We understand that, occasionally these important pieces of information can get lost.
Your Medicare card is one of the most important pieces of identification you own as a Medicare beneficiary. This card proves that you have health insurance, so medical professionals can provide you with needed care, and insurance companies can pay for all or part of this care accurately.
If you damage or lose your card, and you’re currently entitled to Medicare, you can order a replacement card easily using your personal my Social Security account. All you need is a computer or tablet with Internet access. Your card will arrive in the mail in about 30 days.
To make an online request, you’ll need

• Your last (exact) payment amount, or the month and year you last received a payment, if you’ve received benefits in the last 12 months.
• Your name as it appears on your most recent Social Security card
• Your Social Security number
• Your date of birth
• Your phone number in case we need to contact you about your request
• Your email address (optional)

You may also need

• Your place of birth
• Your mother’s maiden name (to help identify you)

If you can’t use the online request to get a replacement Medicare card, or if you prefer, call Social Security’s toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Our representatives will be glad to help you. You can also visit one of our local Social Security offices. For the office closest to you, try our online field office locator.

DHHS to Fund Waitlists, Meals on Wheels with Welfare Reform Savings

08/24/2015 10:17 AM EDT

$3.24 million in TANF savings due to 60-month cap being repurposed to help elderly Mainers

AUGUSTA - Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Commissioner Mary Mayhew announced on Monday that the Department has increased funding to home care services for the elderly and the Meals on Wheels program using savings from the state's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant-savings realized by the LePage Administration's 60-month cap on TANF benefits and other reforms.

"We are committed to reprioritizing Maine's welfare system to best serve our neediest elderly and disabled neighbors," said Commissioner Mayhew. "The hard and often-criticized work of reforming Maine's welfare system is paying off with this new initiative to care for the elderly in their homes."

The Department is directing $3.24 million in surplus funds from the state's TANF block grant to cover allowable expenses for other programs in the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG), which in turn will make that funding available to support four distinct programs to help elderly Mainers: Meals on Wheels, Consumer-Directed Home Based Care, Homemaker Services/Independent Support Services, and the Home Based Care wait list.

Providers have already been notified of the enhanced funding they will receive and are showing support for the move.

"This is a very proactive and innovative move from DHHS to get funding where it is needed most," said Betsy Sawyer-Manter of Seniors Plus. "Seniors Plus is a nonprofit organization that relies on donations and grants, and finding the funding required to meet the needs of Maine's seniors is a consistent challenge. With this new funding, we can begin to take care of many of those who have been on waitlists."

"For too long before this Administration, able-bodied young adults were given priority in Maine's welfare system," added Commissioner Mayhew. "The federal government has put up consistent roadblocks to Governor Paul LePage's mission to prioritize the elderly and disabled. However, we are pleased to be able to announce that we are moving forward with this repurposing of federal and state funds to continue our important mission of reforming Maine's welfare system."

BACKGROUND: Distribution of Funding

1. Meals on Wheels
    a. Is a meals program with home delivery for the homebound.
    b. Has a wait list of 69 people.
    c. Has five contracts through the five Area Agencies on Aging. We are increasing the current allocation by adding $131, 539.
       i. Southern Maine Area Agency on Aging: $35,897 for 18 people
       ii. Seniors Plus: $22,480 for 12 people
       iii. Central Maine Area Agency on Aging: $33,950 for 17 people
       iv. Eastern Area Agency on Aging: $28,189 for 15 people
       v. Aroostook Area Agency on Aging: $11,023 for 6 people
2. Consumer Directed Home Based Care
    a. Personal Assistance Services, Skills Training for adults at least 18 years old with physical disabilities who need help with daily activities and are able to direct own care.    Copays are for 4% of monthly income; 3% of assets over $30,000
    b. Has a wait list of 55 people.
    c. We are adding $1,039,500 to the Alpha One Contract: ADS-16-9702
3. Home Based Care
    a. Five levels of service based on degree of functional impairment. Includes: Personal Care, Respite, Homemaking, Nursing, Nonmedical Transport, Adult Day Care
    b. Has a wait list of 64 people.
    c. We are adding $894,456 to the contract with Seniors Plus: ADS-16-3351
4. Homemaker Services/Independent Support Services (ISS)
    a. Homemaking, routine cleaning, main meal preparation, grocery shopping, laundry, transportation, some personal care for individuals who need assistance; eight hours per month
    b. Has a wait list of 908 people.
    c. We are adding $1,296,624 to the existing contract with Catholic Charities: ADS-16-9151.

Emergency Preparedness Checklist for Seniors, But Good Advice for All.

by Home Instead Senior Care.

With severe weather season upon us in the U.S., older adults may be among the most vulnerable victims when disasters strike.
Home Instead Senior Care, has issued a disaster safety preparation checklist to help prepare seniors for the possibility of natural disasters.
"We know that a disaster can be deadly for some seniors because of physical and other limitations," said Jeff Huber, president of Home Instead, Inc., franchisor of the Home Instead Senior Care® network. "That's why the sooner the better for families to talk with their senior loved ones and begin preparing in advance for any kind of emergency that could threaten their health or safety. Consider this checklist as you help your older adult get ready."
Home Instead Senior Care's Disaster Prep Checklist For Seniors:
Tune in -- Contact the local emergency management office to learn about the most likely natural disasters to strike your area. Stay abreast of what's going on through your local radio or television.
Take stock -- Decide what your senior can or can't do in the event of a natural disaster. Make a list of what would be needed if a disaster occurred. For example, if your loved one is wheelchair-bound, determine an evacuation strategy ahead of time. Prepare for whatever disaster could hit the area.
To go or to stay? -- When deciding to evacuate, older adults should go sooner rather than later. By waiting too long, they may be unable to leave if they require assistance.
Make a plan -- Schedule a family meeting to develop a plan of action. Include in your plan key people – such as neighbors, friends, relatives and professional caregivers – who could help.
More than one way out -- Seniors should develop at least two escape routes: one to evacuate their home and one to evacuate their community. The local emergency management office can tell you escape routes out of the community.
Meet up --- Designate a place to meet relatives or key support network people outside the house, as well as a second location outside the neighborhood, such as a school or church. Practice the plan twice a year.
Get up and "Go Kit."-- Have an easy-to-carry backpack including three days non-perishable food and water with an additional four days of food and water readily accessible at home. Have at least one gallon of bottled water per person per day. Refresh and replace your supplies at least twice a year. And don't forget the blanket and paper products such as toilet paper.
Pack extras and copies -- Have at least a one-month supply of medication on hand at all times. Make ready other important documents in a waterproof protector including copies of prescriptions, car title registration and driver's license, insurance documents and bank account numbers, and spare checkbook. Also take extra eyeglasses and hearing-aid batteries. Label every piece of important equipment or personal item in case they are lost.
Your contact list -- Compile a contact list and include people on a senior's support network as well as doctors and other important health-care professionals.
If you can't be there -- If you're not living close by to help your loved one, enlist the help of family or friends, or contact a professional caregiving company.
For more information about disaster preparedness, contact Home Instead Senior Care at www.homeinstead.com

May is Stroke Awareness Month!! York Hospital Shares Information on Recognizing the Signs of Stroke.

York Hospital, in recognition of Stroke Awareness Month has shared the following video on how to determine if someone is having a stroke, and the importance on acting quickly.

You can LIKE York Hospital on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/YorkHospitalYorkME?fref=ts

Please watch the following video and make yourself aware and alert to the signs and symptoms of Stroke, and how to detect them using the FAST method.

VIEW THE VIDEO HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHzz2cXBlGk

ATTENTION HOMEOWNERS, Home Repair Assistance is Available!!

Maine Home Repair Network is offering homeowners of single family homes deferred/forgiveable loans and grants to help you make much  needed repairs to your home,

 

Covered Repairs Include:

Roofing

Siding

Trim Wrap

New Windows or Doors

Electrical

Plumbing

Heating

Septic System Replacement

Water Treatment Systems

Handicapped Access

Structural Repairs

For more information on programs that may be available to help you make these important repairs to your home, please call:

 

York County Community Action

1-800-965-5762 X 2927

A Note from State Representative Karen Gerrish

Representative Karen A. Gerrish

https://www.facebook.com/GerrishForMaine?ref=ts&fref=ts

 

So I got home late last night to no internet and no ability to call out on the home phone. We have tv. It's been like this for three days. I called Metrocast and they say they are experiencing connection issues in Lebanon. Three days is unacceptable for people particularly the elderly not to have a home phone. Please let me know if you're out and for how long.

If you're having connectivity problems with your Metrocast home phone or cable, please click on the link above and let Rep. Gerrish  know, or phone her office at:  State House Message Phone: (800) 423-2900

Wentworth Douglass Hosts Communication Access, Technology and Support Expo.

Learn more about services and support available for those who are visually impaired, deaf or hard of hearing, and speech impaired in our community.

Wentworth Douglass Hospital on Rt 108 in Dover, NH will host a Technology and Support Expo in their building on Thursday, May 14th beginning at 10 am.

For more information, please call Wentworth Douglass Hospital at  (603)-740-2334

This Event is FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
ASL interpreters will be available to assist

Enjoy interactive displays with equipment and technology, information, refreshments, and more! The following will be onsite:
• CapTel Caption Phone Services
• Lifelong Assistive Technology
• @New Hampshire Association for the Blind
• NH DHHS: Communication Access/Hearing Assistive Technology
• NH Division of Emergency Services & Communications
• NH State Library - Services to Persons with Disabilities...
• NH Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program
• Northeast Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, Inc.
• Relay NH
• Sight Services for Independent Living
• VA Medical Center Visual Impairment Services
• Wentworth-Douglass Communication Services
• Wentworth-Douglass Social Services: Advance Care Planning for NH & ME


 

Maine Legal Services for the Elderly Offers a New Easy to Read Senior Rights Handbook.

Are you over 60 years of age??
Do you know your rights??
Maine Legal Services for the Elderly provides free legal help for Maine residents age 60 and older. This free service can help you with consumer debt, power of attorney, housing services, elder abuse issues, navigating the MaineCare and Medicare systems, financial exploitation, surviving spouse issues, and more!!
This Senior based legal organization offers a free handbook, printed in large, easy to read print, to any person over the age of 60. Or you can call and speak to an attorney free of charge.
To get your free copy of the Senior Rights Handbook, dial toll free, 1-800-750-5353 Monday through Friday from 9 am - noon, or from 1 pm - 4 pm.
Or you can find Maine Legal Services for the Elderly on the internet at www.mainelse.org