Center for Advocacy for the Rights and Interests of the Elderly

"[P]rior to this year, voting in nursing homes ran 'like clockwork.' This year, with tight restrictions on who comes into the building, that’s impossible. 'That creates a whole logistical nightmare, because there are folks who still want to cast their ballots in person,' said Michael Johnson, ombudsman at the Philadelphia-based Center for Advocacy for the Rights & Interests of the Elderly. That requires facilities to ensure the person is registered at the nearest polling location, arrange transportation, and ensure they have personal protective equipment."

Telemedicine is more important than ever with the COVID-19 pandemic. With the rise in telemedicine also comes a rise in the risk of fraud and scams. Review these telemedicine safe steps to learn more.

"The Philadelphia City Council's Disadvantaged Communities Taskforce is hosting a virtual town hall on the Impact of COVID-19 on Aging and Older Adults this Wednesday at 6pm. How has COVID-19 impacted you and how can city and state policies better support your needs? All aging and older adults are invited to join us for the town hall and make your voice heard. The town hall will be moderated by Councilmember Kendra Brooks, Chair of the Committee on Aging and Intergenerationa...l Affairs. An AARP representative will be a featured speaker to share resources and respond to questions. For meeting details, RSVP to Ericka Stewart at 484-649-4320 or [email protected]"

Please join CARIE in concluding its Community Health Choices webinar series on Wednesday, October 28 from 2-4pm EST. This webinar will focus on appeals for clinical and financial eligibility denials as well as the grievance process for CHC participants who are facing reductions, terminations, or denials of needed LTSS. For more information, or to register: www.carie.org//upcoming-webinar-what-advocates-need-to-kno

Medicare covers a COVID-19 antibody (or serology) test. This FDA-authorized test helps see if you’ve developed an immune response and may not be at immediate ...risk of COVID-19 reinfection. Antibody tests should not be used to diagnose a current COVID-19 infection, except in instances in which viral testing is delayed. An antibody test may not show if you have a current COVID-19 infection because it can take 13 weeks after infection for your body to make antibodies. If you have questions about how Medicare covers COVID related needs, contact your Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for help. See more

DON'T accept offers of free medical equipment in exchange for your Medicare Number. DO report anything suspicious to Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE. Learn more tips to help prevent Medicare fraud: https://go.cms.gov/3jPlu02

It's #MedicareOE time! If you would like assistance with reviewing different plans, you can use Medicare's Plan Finder or contact your local #SHIP through the SHIP National Technical Assistance Center,

Huge thanks to our community members pushing for better, safer practices in PA's long term care facilities, including our very own Kathy Cubit!

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month! Now more than ever it is important to be diligent in protecting your information when you are online. Here are a few tips on staying safe when being online. #NCSAM2020 #Cybersecurity