Community of Vermont Elders

12/07/2023

If you have questions about Medicare billing, charges, reading your statements, or learning how to spot fraud, Vermont Senior Medicare Patrol (VT SMP) can help! This federally funded program was created to help educate Medicare beneficiaries about Medicare fraud, errors, or abuse. Call us at 802-229-4731.

12/06/2023

Anita Hoy, former director of Vermont Senior Medicare Patrol, is leading a push to recruit a new team of SMP volunteers to help spread the word about preventing Medicare fraud. Click the link below to learn more. If you're interested in volunteering, contact her at [email protected].

Anita Hoy, longtime director of Vermont Senior Medicare Patrol, is back on the team and working to develop a group of volunteers to help spread the word about Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse.

12/05/2023

Medicare pharmacy or prescription drug fraud occurs when Medicare is billed for a prescription that you did not receive, or if you are purposefully given a different medication than the one your doctor prescribed. Here are some examples of suspected pharmacy or prescription drug fraud, errors, or abuse.
If you suspect potential pharmacy or prescription drug fraud contact Vermont Senior Medicare Patrol at 802-229-4731, or visit us online at vtsmp.org.

12/04/2023

Want to make Vermont a better place to live and age?? Join us TOMORROW MORNING at 10am to provide input on the Age Strong Vermont 💪 plan. RSVP: http://spr.ly/6184R8w5p

12/04/2023

11/30/2023

Paper or plastic? Not when it comes to your Medicare card. Offers of a plastic Medicare card are scams. Don't accept these, no matter how good the offers sound. Medicare only offers a paper card. If you have given out your information to receive a plastic Medicare card, contact Vermont Senior Medicare Patrol at 802-229-4731, or online at VTSMP.org.

11/28/2023

You're Invited: “What it feels like to have Alzheimer’s” Film Screening and Discussion on December 7th from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm at Ilsley Public Library, Community Room in Middlebury.
Dementia Friendly Middlebury invites care partners, those with dementia, and representatives from multiple sectors for the debut screening of “What it feels like to have Alzheimer’s.” This move, featuring Pamela Smith from East Middlebury, includes several pauses where a facilitator will invite viewers to reflect on how they or those they love are experiencing some of the changes brought on by dementia.
Following the movie there will be a panel discussion and community conversation to explore the making of the film, what it is like to live with Alzheimer’s in Middlebury, and upcoming activities and opportunities for those living with dementia. Audience questions and ideas are welcome.

The event will close with an update on advocacy in Vermont and plenty of time to network and visit our resource fair while enjoying a lite lunch.

This event is ADA accessible and free and open to the public. Please RSVP for planning purposes.

Sponsored by: Addison County Home Health and Hospice, Age Well, At Home Senior Care, Dementia Friendly Middlebury, Eastview at Middlebury, Elderly Services, Inc., Ilsley Public Library, & Vermont Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.

Learn more: https://p2a.co/YnXKSPf

11/28/2023

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General is alerting the public about a fraud scheme involving monthly billing for remote patient monitoring (RPM) that involves signing up Medicare enrollees for RPM. Read more: https://direc.to/fgBB.
If you're finding unexpected charges on your Medicare Summary Notice, contact Vermont Senior Medicare Patrol at 802-229-4731.

This scam involves signing up Medicare enrollees for remote patient monitoring (RPM). Legitimate RPM involves using medical devices to remotely monitor for anomalies in patients with chronic medical conditions.

11/28/2023

Talking with a loved one about finances, legal issues, estate planning, living situations, safety, care plans and driving can be difficult. Amy Goyer, AARP’s family and caregiving expert, has some tips.

11/24/2023

Every state has a SHIP office that is federally funded to provide unbiased help to Medicare beneficiaries and people signing up for Medicare for the first time. In Vermont, the State Health Insurance Assistance Program can be reached at 1-800-642-5119. If you feel an insurance salesperson gave you incorrect information or pressured you, contact VT SMP at 802-229-4731.

11/21/2023

Remote patient monitoring (RPM) covers a wide variety of services a provider may offer to help monitor or assess certain chronic conditions. SMPs are hearing about RPM claims appearing on Medicare statements where the beneficiary does not believe they received or agreed to the services. If you see any claims on your Medicare statement that you did not agree to, contact Vermont SMP at 802-229-4731.

11/20/2023

Are you an older Vermonter who could benefit from repairs to your home to help you live more safely and independently? Our Home Modification Program, funded by the office of Housing and Urban Development, is 100% FREE to those who qualify. You must be 62 years or older, own your home in rural Chittenden County, and have an income of less than $53,700 for 1 person or $61,400 for 2 people.

To find out more and enroll, visit: https://cathedralsquare.org/home-modification