February 14, 2008
Michigan lawmakers have taken steps this week to protect Michigan’s seniors from financial exploitation and elder abuse through a series of legislative bills called the Elder Financial Protection Act. Among the highlights:
The package of bills would require banks to report suspicions of seniors being taken advantage of.
And:
Other bills would define the rights of those who are incapacitated and allow a third party to file a criminal complaint on behalf of a victim of elder abuse.
Read the whole story here and more here. Kudos to our legislators for taking steps to address a serious problem among the elderly.
February 14, 2008
Michigan seniors are being warned about likely scam artists who call seniors trying to get health care information, including personal and confidential data. The scary part is that they claim to be calling on behalf of Medicare and sound like they are genuine.
Carol Juhl says she got a very disturbing call Friday night.
Carol Juhl, contacted by scammer: “I felt threatened.”
Threatened because the person on the other end told her she was in danger of losing her health insurance and demanded her personal information.
Juhl: “He sounded very credible, yet he didn’t have the information he needed.”
That’s because the caller was likely a scam artist.
Jo Murphy, Executive Director of Michigan Medicaid Assistance Program: “If someone calls you just hang up the phone.”
The Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program has issued a warning telling seniors to be extra careful.
Murphy says at least one person has called dozens of seniors, pretending to be from the federal government and demanding seniors’ Medicare numbers.
Murphy: “And for most people, that’s their social security number with a letter following. Never give it out on the phone.”
Remember that to protect yourself from identity theft, never give out personal information when someone calls you. Instead report them to the appropriate authority, in this case the Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program. Read the whole story here.
February 9, 2008
Welcome to a new blog devoted to news, updates and resources for Michigan’s senior citizens and those who love and care for them! Michigan is a wonderful state and its senior population is one of its greatest assets. We hope this blog will offer something to assist Michigan seniors in navigating life as our state, the economy, the law, health care, families and technology evolve so rapidly, often leaving seniors vulnerable to opportunists or scam artists, and unsure of whom to trust. We also hope to provide commentary as well as relevant resources consolidated in one place, on health, housing, grandparenting, legal issues, prescription drugs, financial decisions, social life and more. So please check back, and thanks for visiting!
