In most cases, you do not need a specific form or a lawyer to create a living will or to make someone your health care proxy. Note that unlike a health care proxy or living will, power of attorney documents typically must be prepared by a lawyer. For help creating these documents or information on how to comply with your state’s rules, contact an elder lawyer. your state’s attorney general office or department of health, the American Bar Association Commission on Law and Aging, your state bar association, or your local hospital. Also listed are other helpful organizations.

Many people assume that their family members would automatically be able to make decisions about medical treatments if they were to become incapacitated—for example, if they were unconscious or so ill they were unable to communicate. However, rules vary greatly from state to state. It is therefore important to have a plan ahead of time to avoid disagreements around treatment issues if you are incapacitated. These planning documents can help ensure that decisions made on your behalf meet your needs and preferences.
If you have questions about Medicare costs or coverage or need help finding local health care resources, in Indiana, call SHIP at (800) 452-4800.

Join SHIP and Perry Senior Services for Medicare BINGO! You must call or email to RSVP by October 5.
October 7, 2020, 1:00 pm
Perry Senior Services, 6901 Derbyshire Road, Indianapolis
317-783-9231

In some cases, SMPs do more than educate. When Medicare beneficiaries are unable to act on their own behalf to address suspected Medicare fraud, errors, or abuse, the SMPs work with them, their family, caregivers, and others to address the problems. If necessary, SMPs make referrals to outside organizations.
Here are steps SMPs recommend beneficiaries take to report concerns:
• Call your health care provider or supplier to ask about the charge. If it was an error, ask them to correct it.
• If your provider or supplier can’t answer the question, call Medicare or the insurance company that paid the bill. Their contact information can be found on your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or Explanation of Benefits (EOB).
• If you are not satisfied with the response you get from a provider, supplier, or insurance company, you can contact your local SMP. The SMP helps beneficiaries understand the difference between suspected fraud, errors, or abuse. SMPs also assist beneficiaries in addressing suspected errors. If fraud or abuse is suspected, SMPs refer cases to the proper authorities for further investigation.

The best way to protect yourself from getting the flu and keep you from spreading it to others is to get vaccinated. #FightFlu
The flu shot is covered for people with #Medicare go.cms.gov/31X3paa