TCOG Benefits Counselors Prepare for Medicare Open Enrollment Period

Free, personalized Medicare Counseling from October 15 through December 7, 2022

SHERMAN, OCTOBER 11, 2022 –

TCOG’s Area Agency on Aging’s (AAA) State-Certified Benefits Counselors are ready to assist Medicare Beneficiaries in comparing insurance plans to ensure their  health and prescription drug coverage is the best it can be during Medicare Open Enrollment, according to an announcement by TCOG officials today. This assistance is available for all residents in Cooke, Fannin and Grayson counties from October 15^th through December 7^th, 2022.

“Medicare Open Enrollment is the time of year for anyone who is enrolled in Medicare to re-evaluate their current plans and make changes that best fit their coverage needs”, stated Aging Services Director, Cara Lavender. “Individuals can take advantage of our no cost service to get information about others plans that may provide better coverage, higher quality care and lower premiums”.

Medicare health and drug plans can make changes to costs, provider listings, pharmacies, and overall coverage each year.  TCOG’s Benefits Counselors are equipped to evaluate healthcare plans to help individuals find better coverage with higher quality at a lower cost.

Plans may also offer services such as nutritional services, in-home supports and home modifications to individuals with documented chronic conditions.  Because changes made during this open enrollment period become effective January 1, 2023, when reviewing a current Medicare health or prescription drug plan, individuals should be sure the plan will still meet their medical needs for the following year.

During the Open Enrollment period, an individual may choose to switch from Original/Traditional Medicare to Medicare Advantage, from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, from one Medicare Part D (prescription drug) plan to another, or drop Medicare Part D coverage altogether. If an individual did not enroll in a Medicare Part D plan when they first became eligible, they may do so during this time.

If you are a Medicare Beneficiary, we encourage you to call our AAA office to schedule a free personal assessment to evaluate your specific medical insurance needs. We can also check to see if you qualify for Medicare Extra Health Programs to save you each month on premiums.

Our Benefits Counselors are able to assist with other services such as Advanced Directives, appeals for denied benefits, Social Security Benefits evaluations and provide one-on-one counseling.

Before you make a decision on your Medicare Plan for 2023, review your options by receiving personalized Medicare counseling at no cost to you by a trained professional. Call us today to schedule a time to speak with a State-Certified Benefits Counselor: 903-813-3505 option 1 or email jhunt@tcog.com

The Texoma Council of Governments is a voluntary association of the local governments in Cooke, Fannin and Grayson counties. Established in 1968, Texoma Council of Governments promotes economy and efficiency in the coordinated planning and development of the tri-county region through its community and economic development activities. Both directly and through contractors, the Council provides housing, utility assistance, and weatherization services for low-income citizens in the region and assists the elderly through a variety of Area Agency on Aging programs. The Council also facilitates the delivery of grant funding for homeland security and criminal justice.

TCOG Benefits Counselors Prepare for Medicare Open Enrollment Period

Free, personalized Medicare Counseling from October 15 through December 7, 2021

SHERMAN, OCTOBER 14, 2021 – TCOG’s State-Certified Benefits Counselors are ready to assist Cooke, Fannin and Grayson County residents in the upcoming Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). Personalized assistance will be available starting tomorrow, October 15 through December 7, 2021, at no cost to you.

“Medicare Open Enrollment is a time for any individual with Medicare to compare insurance plans to make sure they have the right coverage for the upcoming year,” stated TCOG’s executive director, Eric Bridges. “Our Area Agency on Aging counselors are available to give free, personalized Medicare counseling and assist in the selection of the best medical and prescription plan coverage.”

Medicare health and drug plans can make changes to costs and coverage, as well as their list of in-network providers each year. TCOG’s Area Agency on Aging (AAA) Benefits Counselors are equipped to evaluate healthcare plans to find individuals better coverage with higher quality at a lower cost.

“It is important for Medicare Beneficiaries to check coverage costs and compare with a few other plans to ensure their choice best fits their medical and prescription needs,” stated Sheila Vaughn, one of TCOG’s benefits counseling specialists. “For most Medicare Beneficiaries, this is the only time of year to make these changes.”

Bridges noted that any changes made during this time are not effective until January 1, 2022.

In addition to providing one-on-one counseling, our Benefits Counselors are able to help with other services such as Advanced Directives, appeals for denied benefits and the evaluation of Social Security Benefits. They can also check to see if you qualify for Medicare Extra Help Programs.

If you are a Medicare Beneficiary, we encourage you to call our AAA office to schedule a free, personal assessment to evaluate your specific medical insurance needs.

Before deciding on a Medicare plan for 2022, discuss your options with one of our State-Certified Benefits Counselors. To schedule an appointment, call (903) 813-3505 or toll-free (800) 677-8264.

The Texoma Council of Governments is a voluntary association of the local governments in Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson Counties. Established in 1968, the Texoma Council of Governments promotes economy and efficiency in the coordinated planning and development of the tri-county region through its community and economic development activities. Either directly, or through contractors, the Council provides housing, utility assistance, and weatherization services for low-income citizens in the region and assists the elderly through a variety of Area Agency on Aging programs. The Council also facilitates the delivery of grant funding for homeland security and criminal justice.

Posted on December 21, 2020 by FBI National Press Office

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) are warning the public about several emerging fraud schemes related to COVID-19 vaccines.

The FBI, HHS-OIG, and CMS have received complaints of scammers using the public’s interest in COVID-19 vaccines to obtain personally identifiable information (PII) and money through various schemes. We continue to work diligently with law enforcement partners and the private sector to identify cyber threats and fraud in all forms.

The public should be aware of the following potential indicators of fraudulent activity:

• Advertisements or offers for early access to a vaccine upon payment of a deposit or fee
• Requests asking you to pay out of pocket to obtain the vaccine or to put your name on a COVID-19 vaccine waiting list
• Offers to undergo additional medical testing or procedures when obtaining a vaccine
• Marketers offering to sell and/or ship doses of a vaccine, domestically or internationally, in exchange for payment of a deposit or fee
• Unsolicited emails, telephone calls, or personal contact from someone claiming to be from a medical office, insurance company, or COVID-19 vaccine center requesting personal and/or medical information to determine recipients’ eligibility to participate in clinical vaccine trials or obtain the vaccine
• Claims of FDA approval for a vaccine that cannot be verified
• Advertisements for vaccines through social media platforms, email, telephone calls, online, or from unsolicited/unknown sources
• Individuals contacting you in person, by phone, or by email to tell you the government or government officials require you to receive a COVID-19 vaccine

Tips to avoid COVID-19 vaccine-related fraud:

• Consult your state’s health department website for up-to-date information about authorized vaccine distribution channels and only obtaining a vaccine through such channels.
• Check the FDA’s website (fda.gov) for current information about vaccine emergency use authorizations.
• Consult your primary care physician before undergoing any vaccination.
• Don’t share your personal or health information with anyone other than known and trusted medical professionals.
• Check your medical bills and insurance explanation of benefits (EOBs) for any suspicious claims and promptly reporting any errors to your health insurance provider.
• Follow guidance and recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other trusted medical professionals.

General online/cyber fraud prevention techniques:

• Verify the spelling of web addresses, websites, and email addresses that look trustworthy but may be imitations of legitimate websites.
• Ensure operating systems and applications are updated to the most current versions.
• Update anti-malware and anti-virus software and conduct regular network scans.
• Do not enable macros on documents downloaded from an email unless necessary and after ensuring the file is not malicious.
• Do not communicate with or open emails, attachments, or links from unknown individuals.
• Never provide personal information of any sort via email; be aware that many emails requesting your personal information may appear to be legitimate.
• Use strong two-factor authentication if possible, using biometrics, hardware tokens, or authentication apps.
• Disable or remove unneeded software applications.

If you believe you have been the victim of a COVID-19 fraud, immediately report it to the FBI (ic3.gov, tips.fbi.gov, or 1-800-CALL-FBI) or HHS OIG (tips.hhs.gov or 1-800-HHS-TIPS).

View Related Flyer (PDF)

For accurate and up-to-date information about COVID-19, visit:

• coronavirus.gov
• cdc.gov/coronavirus
• usa.gov/coronavirus
• fbi.gov/coronavirus
• justice.gov/coronavirus
• oig.hhs.gov/coronavirus

Source: https://www.fbi.gov/news/pressrel/press-releases/federal-agencies-warn-of-emerging-fraud-schemes-related-to-covid-19-vaccines

Benefits Counselors at TCOG Ready for Medicare Open Enrollment

Free, personalized Medicare Counseling from October 15 through December 7, 2020

SHERMAN, OCTOBER 7, 2020 – TCOG’s Area Agency on Aging’s (AAA) State-Certified Benefits Counselors are ready to assist Medicare Beneficiaries in comparing insurance plans to ensure the health and prescription drug coverage is the best plan for each individual during Medicare Open Enrollment, according to an announcement by TCOG officials made today. This assistance is available for all residents in Cooke, Fannin and Grayson counties from October 15 through December 7, 2020.

“Medicare Open Enrollment is the time of the year when ALL people with Medicare can compare insurance plans to make sure they have the right medical and prescription drug coverage for the next year,” stated TCOG’s executive director, Eric Bridges. “An individual can elect to remain with their current plan or look for a new plan with better coverage, higher quality, and lower costs.”

Medicare health and drug plans can make changes each year including things like cost, coverage, and even the list of providers and pharmacies in their networks. Benefits Counselors are equipped to evaluate current healthcare plans and compare to available health plans to find individuals better coverage, higher quality and lower costs. Plans may also offer services such as nutrition services, in-home supports and home modifications to certain members with chronic conditions. Changes made during this open enrollment period will become effective January 1, 2021. In reviewing a current Medicare health or prescription drug plan, an individual needs to ensure the plan will still meet their medical needs for the following year.

During the Open Enrollment Period, an individual may choose to: switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage; from one Medicare Advantage plan to another; from one Medicare Part D (prescription drug) plan to another or drop Medicare Part D coverage altogether. If an individual did not enroll in a Medicare Part D plan when first eligible, they may do so during this time of Open Enrollment.

If you are a Medicare Beneficiary, we encourage you to call our AAA office to schedule a free personal assessment to evaluate your specific medical insurance needs. We can also check to see if you qualify for Medicare Extra Help Programs.

Our Benefits Counselors are able to assist with other services such as Advanced Directives, appeals for denied benefits, Social Security Benefits evaluation and provide one-on-one counseling.

Before you make a decision on your Medicare Plan for 2021, review your options by receiving personalized Medicare counseling at no cost to you. Call us today to schedule a time to speak with a State certified Benefits Counselor: (903) 813-3505 option 1 or call 800-677-8264 or email jhunt@tcog.com.

The Texoma Council of Governments is a voluntary association of the local governments in Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson counties. Established in 1968, Texoma Council of Governments promotes economy and efficiency in the coordinated planning and development of the tri-county region through its community and economic development activities. Both directly and through contractors, the Council provides housing, utility assistance, and weatherization services for low-income citizens in the region and assists the elderly through a variety of Area Agency on Aging programs. The Council also facilitates the delivery of grant funding for homeland security and criminal justice.

A contact tracer may call to let you know you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. All information you share with a contact tracer, like who you’ve been in contact with and your recent whereabouts, is confidential.
• You may be asked to self-quarantine for 14 days. This means staying home, monitoring your health, and maintaining social distance from others at all times.
• You may be asked to monitor your health and watch for symptoms of COVID-19. Notify your doctor if you develop symptoms, and seek medical care if your symptoms worsen or become severe.

Be aware of scammers pretending to be COVID-19 contact tracers. Legitimate contact tracers will never ask for your Medicare Number or financial information. If someone calls and asks for personal information, like your Medicare Number, hang up and report it to Medicare.gov at 1-800-MEDICARE.

Today, I am warning the public about fraudulent letters threatening suspension of Social Security benefits due to COVID-19 or coronavirus-related office closures. Social Security will not suspend or discontinue benefits because their offices are closed.

The Social Security Office of the Inspector General has received reports that Social Security beneficiaries have received letters through the U.S. Mail stating their payments will be suspended or discontinued unless they call a phone number referenced in the letter. Scammers may then mislead beneficiaries into providing personal information or payment via retail gift cards, wire transfers, internet currency, or by mailing cash, to maintain regular benefit payments during this period of COVID-19 office closures.

As of Tuesday, March 17, 2020, local Social Security offices are closed to the public due to COVID-19 concerns. However, Social Security employees continue to work. Social Security will not suspend or decrease Social Security benefit payments or Supplemental Security Income payments due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Any communication you receive that says Social Security will do so is a scam, whether you receive it by letter, text, email, or phone call.

Social Security will never:

• Threaten you with benefit suspension, arrest, or other legal action unless you pay a fine or fee.
• Promise a benefit increase or other assistance in exchange for payment.
• Require payment by retail gift card, cash, wire transfer, internet currency, or prepaid debit card.
• Demand secrecy from you in handling a Social Security-related problem.
• Send official letters or reports containing personally identifiable information via email.

If you receive a letter, text, call or email that you believe to be suspicious, about an alleged problem with your Social Security number, account, or payments, hang up or do not respond. We encourage you to report Social Security scams using our dedicated online form. Please share this information with your friends and family, to help spread awareness about Social Security scams.

Source: https://blog.ssa.gov/inspector-general-warns-about-new-social-security-benefit-suspension-scam/

Scammers use public health emergencies as opportunities for new fraud schemes. In fact, The Federal Trade Commission has already received complaints about stimulus checks scams.

As you may know, the government is preparing to distribute stimulus checks to help provide relief to households due to the COVID 19 crises.

Things you need to know:

• Individuals with adjusted gross incomes of less than $75,000 should expect to receive $1200 with couples receiving $2400, and $500 per child.
• The rate is adjusted if the gross income is more than $75,000. This will be based on your 2019 tax return, or 2018 if you haven’t filed yet for 2019. Please keep in mind that it is estimated to take weeks for these checks to be distributed.
• Your stimulus check will be directly deposited into your bank account if funds you received from your 2018 tax return were directly deposited. Otherwise your paper check will arrive by mail. Social security beneficiaries will automatically receive a stimulus check via direct deposit. There is no need to complete any tax information. The IRS will automatically use what the Social Security Administration has on file.

Scammers are already using this opportunity to steal the money coming your way or your identity by getting access to your personal information. Keep in mind; no one has early access to these funds!

Beware of the following scams:

• Fake Stimulus Checks. There are fake checks circulating right now. It will take at least three weeks for direct deposits to land and up to 10 weeks for paper checks to arrive by mail. If you receive any checks now, it is a fraud. Telltale signs are checks written in odd amounts or include cents, or a check that requires you to verify receipt online or by calling a number.
• Social media, phone calls, or text messages claiming to get in touch with you. Scammers are reaching out to people online on social media platforms or by sending text messages with claims they are from the IRS or other government agency and are trying to get in touch with you regarding your stimulus check. Ignore/Delete these messages. The U.S. Government will never reach out to you via any social media platform or by text.
• Scammers pose as a government agency and will send a link to this website or something similar for you to verify personal information. The government does not do this. The government already has the information they need and will not reach out to you for verification of your social security number or other personal identification.
• Processing Fee. Scammers pose as the IRS or other government agency claiming you can receive your stimulus check faster if you pay a processing fee. There is no such thing and there is no way to speed up the IRS payment process.
• The IRS will never call or email you to verify any personal information. This includes your social security number, bank account number, or anything that allows access to your identity.
• As soon as you receive a call or email saying they are from the IRS or U.S. Treasury, hang up or delete it. These scammers are professional criminals and will use a variety of methods to steal your personal identification and your money.

Texas SMP is ready to provide you with the information you need to PROTECT yourself from Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse; DETECT potential fraud, errors, and abuse; and REPORT your concerns. Your SMP can help with your questions, concerns, or complaints about potential fraud and abuse issues. It also can provide information and educational presentations. Texas Senior Medicare Patrol: 1-888-341-6187

Benefits Counselors Ready at TCOG for Medicare Open Enrollment

Free, personalized Medicare Counseling from October 15 through December 7, 2019

SHERMAN, OCTOBER 14, 2019 – TCOG officials have announced they have ramped up their availability to assist residents throughout Cooke, Fannin and Grayson counties for the upcoming Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), which begins tomorrow, October 15, and runs through December 7, 2019.

TCOG’s Area Agency on Aging of Texoma (AAA) has State Certified Benefits Counselors on staff ready to help compare insurance plans to ensure you have the right health and prescription drug coverage. You may review and stay with your current plan or look for a new plan with better coverage, higher quality and lower costs.

“It is important to note that any changes made during this time will not become effective until January 1, 2020,” states TCOG Executive Director, Eric Bridges. “However, new plans in 2020 are allowed to offer even more services for certain members with chronic conditions, including nutrition services, in-home supports, and home modifications.”

There are now more factors involved in deciding if you need to change plans. Judy Conner, the director of the Area Agency on Aging of Texoma, recommends to review the information about your current plan if you are already in a Medicare health or prescription drug plan in order to ensure it will still meet your medical needs next year.

Conner noted, “One question you should ask yourself is if you were prescribed a new medication during the year, does your old plan cover that medication? If not, you may need to find another plan that cover all your medications.”

During the Annual Enrollment Period, you can also switch from: Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage; from one Medicare Advantage plan to another; from one Medicare Part D (prescription drug) plan to another; or elect to drop your Medicare Part D coverage altogether. If you did not enroll in a Medicare Part D plan when you were first eligible, you may do so during this time of Open Enrollment.

Bridges adds, “If you are a Medicare Beneficiary, we encourage you to call the Area Agency on Aging of Texoma to schedule a free, personal appointment for an evaluation of your specific medical insurance needs.”

During that appointment, your situation will also be assessed to see if you qualify for Medicare Extra Help Programs. Other services available through the Benefits Counseling Program at TCOG (with offices located in Sherman, Bonham and Gainesville) throughout the year include assistance with Advanced Directives, appeals for denied benefits, Social Security Benefits evaluation and one-on-one Benefits counseling.

Before making a decision on your Medicare Plan for 2020, review your options by receiving personalized Medicare counseling from the Area Agency on Aging of Texoma at TCOG – at no cost to you. If you would like to learn more, you are encouraged to call (903) 813-3505 or toll-free (800) 677-8264.

The Texoma Council of Governments is a voluntary association of the local governments in Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson counties. Established in 1968, Texoma Council of Governments promotes economy and efficiency in the coordinated planning and development of the tri-county region through its community and economic development activities. Both directly and through contractors, the Council provides housing, utility assistance, and weatherization services for low-income citizens in the region and assists the elderly through a variety of Area Agency on Aging programs. The Council also facilitates the delivery of grant funding for homeland security and criminal justice.

TCOG Readies Benefits Counselors for Medicare Open Enrollment

SHERMAN, OCTOBER 12, 2018 – TCOG officials have announced they are preparing to ramp up their availability to assist Medicare recipients throughout Cooke, Fannin and Grayson counties for the upcoming Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) which spans from October 15 – December 7.

“AEP is the time of year when ALL people with Medicare can compare insurance plans to make sure they have the right health and prescription drug coverage for the next year,” stated Judy Conner, director of the Area Agency on Aging of Texoma. “A person can choose to stay with their current plan or look for a new plan with better coverage, higher quality and lower costs.”

If a person does switch to a new plan, the new coverage will begin January 1, 2019. Officials also stated that it is important to remember that if a person makes the choice to continue with their current plan, any changes to coverage under that plan or any cost increase will also begin at the start of the new year.

Changes to various aspects of Medicare coverage can include:

• Switching from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage or from one Advantage Plan to another;
• Switching from one Medicare Part D plan (prescription drug) to another; and
• Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act – MIPPA, which helps identify eligibility for extra help programs.

“Become better informed of the available choices before making a decision on a Medicare plan for 2019,” urged TCOG Executive Director Eric Bridges, adding, “Area Agency on Aging counselors are available to give free, personalized Medicare counseling and assist in the selection of the best plan that will meet medical and prescription needs for each individual.”

The Texoma Council of Governments is a voluntary association of the local governments in Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson counties. Established in 1968, Texoma Council of Governments promotes economy and efficiency in the coordinated planning and development of the tri-county region through its community and economic development activities. Both directly and through contractors, the Council provides housing, utility assistance, and weatherization services for low-income citizens in the region and assists the elderly through a variety of Area Agency on Aging programs. The Council also facilitates the delivery of grant funding for homeland security and criminal justice.

• Open enrollment begins October 15th and ends December 7th
• At this time you can join, switch, or add a Medicare Drug Plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan.
• Common reason to change Part D Plan: medications no longer covered on current plan.
• Common reason to change Medicare Advantage Plan: doctor no longer accepting current Medicare Advantage Plan.
• Changes made during Open Enrollment will be effective January 1, 2015.
• To review Medicare plans or make changes, Medicare beneficiaries can visit Medicare.gov, call 1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227), or call 2-1-1 to schedule an appointment with a Benefits Counselor at TCOG’s Area Agency on Aging.
• TCOG’s Certified Benefits Counselors can assist clients by phone or during in-office appointments.
• Medicare Beneficiaries are strongly encouraged to check their plans annually and can sometimes save a lot of money by changing plans.

Source: http://www.kxii.com/morningshow/headlines/Open-Enrollment-for-Medicare-277608951.html