Page 9 - Reedley Exponent 5-3-18 E-edition

H
The Reedley Exponent A59 Thursday, May 3, 2018
ealth &Fitne
ss
All of our residents at the retirement community are card-carrying individu- als. is most owned and utilized card gives entry
to physicians, hospitals and so many other health care providers. Some
at Sierra View Homes Retirement Community have expressed concerns about giving up “the card.” However, the government is making it safer to use.
It is April and the new Medicare cards are start- ing to arrive in the mail. Everyone who has a Medicare Card will receive a new card. e obvi-
ous change you will see is there is no social security number on the card. e new number is randomly assigned to you. is num- ber protects your social
By Ro Linscheid
swindles. Medicare does not call Medicare recipi- ents. ere is no refund on the old Medicare card nor do you need to pay for the new one. Medicare does not need or want your bank account or credit card information. When you get a call like this hang up.
e card will remain pa- per, not plastic. It will still be red, white and blue and it will come in the mail. ere are millions of cards to send out so do not be alarmed if your neighbor gets his /hers before you. e government has from April 2018 to April 2019 to get all the new cards out.
Some things to know about your new Medicare card:
• Destroy your old Medicare Card once the new one arrives. Do not throw it out in the trash. Shred it. Start using the new card as soon as you get it.
• Only give your new card number to doctors, pharmacists,
other health care providers, your insurers, or people you trust to work with Medicare on your behalf. Guard your card.
• Healthcare professionals know
the card is coming and are ready to deal with the new number.
• If you are on a Medicare Advantage Plan, do not change the card you use with your healthcare professionals.
With so much iden-
tity theft and fraudulent billing of Medicare, this process was created to make a more secure system for you. My advice is to use your new card, keep
it close and help keep the Medicare working for you.
The Medicare Card is Changing
security number from people who could make fraudulent claims on your number.
Beware of scammers who are trying to trick you into paying for your card. e card is coming to you free of charge.
Some swindles to be aware of are:
• You must pay for your new Medicare card now or else you will lose your
Now What?
Medicare benefits.
• Medicare is updating its files and needs your bank and credit card numbers.
• Medicare is confirming your Social Security number before you can receive your new card
• Medicare needs your bank information to send you a refund on your old card.
Do not fall for these
Health&Fitnessruns the first week of each month Call Janie Lucio to advertise
638-2244
RETIRED...
Reedley’s Best Retirement Community
Life is Better at Sierra View Homes! Your Life Plan Community
For more information
• Assisted Living
• Independent Apartment Living
• Memory Care
Call Crystal
(559) 638-9226
1155 E. Springfield Ave. Reedley
or visit SierraView.org #100406684 / #COA261
Locally Owned & Operated
Our Most Popular Floor Plan
Immediate Availability for Patio Homes
Make the move now to a spacious Patio Home in our Continuing Care Retirement Community with licensed Independent Living. Our family of good neighbors and caring staff welcome you!
Floor plans from 675 to 1,660 sf.
www.palmvillage.com
1,220 sf Patio Home
Independent Living • Assisted Living • Skilled Nursing Memory Care • Inpatient/Outpatient Rehabilitation
Call Jim Dueck today: (559) 638-6933
COA170 Lic.#100404809 We do Business in Accordance with the Federal Fair Housing Law
Call to Advertise
638-2244
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