CLEARFFIELD – Seldom does a week go by without a Medicare beneficiary calling or stopping by the APPRISE (State Health Insurance Program) office at the Clearfield County Area Agency on Aging and telling APPRISE staff that a person called them from Medicare or Social Security. The caller wants to come to the person’s home to tell him about changes in his Medicare or Social Security. Often this person identifies himself as a Medicare Specialist who come and help the person understand PACE, tax and rent rebates, and their Medicare benefits and help him save money.
Medicare and Social Security do not send people to your home. Unless you call Medicare or Social Security, they rarely call you. They correspond in writing. In most cases, if someone calls you to come and explain your coverage, they are trying to get you to let them in your home to sell you something like insurance.
The Medicare handbook that each Medicare beneficiary receives provides a list of state-approved insurance companies and their phone numbers that you can call if you want information on their plans.
In every county in Pennsylvania, a program called APPRISE, the State Health Insurance Program (SHIP), is available to answer your questions on Medicare, Medicaid and health insurance plans and problems.
APPRISE reminds Medicare beneficiaries and especially seniors turning 65 to be aware of callers who call you wanting to help you understand your benefits.
If you do invite someone to your home or someone wants to sell you a plan, use the following guidelines:
• Verify that the plan is approved by Medicare. You can do this by calling 1-800-Medicare or the APPRISE Program at the Area Agency on Aging in your county.
• Get the name and phone number of the agent and their company.
• Ask what you will be charged and what you will be expected to pay out of pocket.
• Do not feel pressured. Take your time and review your options before you decide.
• Have a friend or relative listen to the presentation with you.
• Save all documents you receive from your insurance company.
If you have questions about Medicare or health insurance, call the Clearfield County Area Agency on Aging and ask for APPRISE at 814-765-2696 or 1-800-225-8571.
Programs and services of the Clearfield County Area Agency on Aging are funded in part by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, the Clearfield County Area Agency on Aging, Mature Resources Foundation, and local and client contributions.