What Seniors Can Do To Safeguard Their Mental Health

March 20, 2023

No one is immune to issues that can adversely affect their mental health, including men and women nearing retirement age and those who are already retired. Though the term “golden years” suggests life in retirement is one sunny day after another, many individuals 60 and older are dealing with mental health issues. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 15 percent of the world’s adults aged 60 and over suffer from a mental disorder. What makes that statistic even more troubling is that the WHO acknowledges it likely doesn’t paint the most accurate picture of ...

What To Do After A Medicare Denial

March 20, 2023

For many, Medicare Part A (hospitalization) and Medicare Part B (Medical) denials are due to reasons such as not meeting medical necessity; frequency limitations; and even basic coding mistakes. Denials are subject to appeal, since a denial is a payment determination. It is beneficial for an individual to understand why they have received a Medicare denial letter. Medicare’s reasons for denial for Part A and Part B can include: ¯ Medicare does not deem the service medically necessary. ¯ A person has a Medicare Advantage plan, and they used a healthcare provider outside of ...

CARTS Can Be A Solution For Seniors

March 20, 2023

Need a ride or want to save on your transportation costs? CARTS is Chautauqua County’s public transportation system. CARTS is public transportation for everyone living, working, or visiting in Chautauqua County. Whether you want to go shopping, to a medical appointment, to work, to college, or to visit a friend, CARTS can get you there safely, comfortably, and economically. CARTS strives to provide the highest quality transportation services to all citizens and guests of Chautauqua County. There are several options when considering scheduling a ride with CARTS. CARTS Jamestown City ...

Seniors: Don’t Fall Prey To Scams

March 20, 2023

New government data shows that scammers are making more money per episode. Close to 2.4 million people this year reported losses from fraud or scams totaling close to $9 billion dollars! Older adults are especially vulnerable to scams because scammers are skilled at preying on their fears or hopes by using a lure of dire consequences like a warrant, a grandchild in trouble, or some great windfall like winning a lot of money. Scammers get us to believe that there is an urgency, some imminent deadline, and you need to act immediately or miss the opportunity to get the promised ...

What Is Necessary On ‘Other Insurance’ Form?

March 6, 2023

Question: I received a form from my insurance company requesting information on what other insurance I have. How do I fill out this form? Answer: The form you received is probably a Coordination of Benefits (COB) form. This is how the insurance companies keep track of who pays first and who pays second. This is the time of year when these forms come from your new insurance companies, and we have gotten a lot of these types of calls lately. Many of us make changes to our insurance situation over the years. When we make those changes, the new company usually wants to make sure they have ...

When Does Family Have To Pay State Skilled Nursing Tax?

February 27, 2023

Question: My mother just transferred into a Skilled Nursing Facility from a hospital stay. We hope it is temporary, but if it isn’t, she will have to pay over $400 per day plus a 6.8% tax! What is that tax? Answer: I hope that your mother is feeling better and getting stronger every day. When individuals go from the hospital to a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) it is often considered a Rehabilitation (Rehab) Stay. When you have Medicare, these Rehab stays are usually covered by your health insurance. Being covered doesn’t necessarily mean that the stay will be paid in full by your ...