Medicaid Select is a health insurance program for
Medicaid-eligible Hoosiers who are blind, aged and disabled. The enrolled
member chooses a Primary Medical Physician (PMP) to get regular checkups and
health care. Other health care needs such as prescriptions, dental care, vision
care and mental health services are also available as part of the Medicaid
Select program. For more information on Medicaid Select, call toll
free 1-877-MedSelect (1-877-633-7353) or go on-line to www.medicaidselect.com
Medicare Fraud
Several instances qualify as
Medicare Fraud. Billing Medicare for services not received, using someone
else’s Medicare card, billing Medicare for things that have been returned and
asking for a Medicare number when you are offered “free” items or tests, all
constitute Medicare Fraud.
If you suspect any problems, contact
your doctor, or Aging and In-Home Services at 1.800.552.3662 immediately.
Additional things to be aware of are; incorrect billing, overcharging and
submitting claims for services that are not needed.
There are ways to protect yourself.
Never sign a blank form and never give your Medicare or Social Security number
to strangers. Do not accept “free” offers or offers from door-to-door
salespeople or telemarketers. In addition, record your doctor visits in a
Senior ESP Personal Health Journal. These journals are free and you can request
one by calling Aging and In-Home Services. When you receive your Medicare
statement, check with your journal.
Elder Abuse
What Are The Signs of Elder Abuse?
Experts note that there are some
signs of abuse, neglect or exploitation which family members, concerned friends
or professionals can watch out for. No one should jump to conclusions, but
signs should be taken seriously. What can seem like self-neglect could turn out
to be elder abuse.
Some signs to watch for:
1. Discrepancies between a person's
standard of living and his/her financial assets, or a depletion of assets without
adequate explanation. Money or personal items such as eyeglasses, jewelry,
hearing aids, or dentures that are missing without explanation.
2. Malnourishment and inadequate physical
care. This can include things such as dehydration or lack of food, poor
hygiene, bed sores, and over-sedation.
3. Physical injuries that are not
explainable, such as bruises, burn marks, welts, rope burns, tufts of hair
missing, and broken bones.
4. Withdrawn, apathetic, fearful, or
anxious behavior, particularly around certain persons. The victim may suddenly
express a desire not to visit or receive visits from family or friends without
giving an explanation.
5. Medical needs that are not attended to.
6. Sudden, unexplained changes in the
victim's living arrangements, such as a younger person moving in to "care
for" them shortly after meeting.
It is often very difficult to
detect abuse. Typically, abusive behavior occurs in private and the victim may
be unwilling or unable to describe the attacks. When reports are made, they are
sometimes not believed. To report a case of elder abuse, contact The Elder
Abuse Hotline at: 1-800-992-6978.