Julie Hilbert...

SENIOR MOMENT UPDATE Are you a Hospital Inpatient or Outpatient? If you have Medicare ASK! In the past, hospitals were able to “write off” self-administered drugs given to patience when they were labeled as an outpatient. Even if you stay in the hospital overnight and/or up to 3 days, you may still be considered an “outpatient”? An “outpatient” is defined if you are getting emergency department services, observation services, outpatient surgery, lab tests, or x-rays and the doctor HASN”T written an order to admit you to the hospital as an inpatient. Your hospital status affects how much you pay for hospital services (like x-rays, drugs and lab tests) and may also affect whether Medicare will cover care you get in a skilled nursing facility. Here are some things to consider and questions to ask: • If you’re in the hospital more than a few hours, always ask your doctor or the hospital staff if you’re an inpatient or outpatient. • Any prescriptions you take can be brought into a hospital. o Keep a current list of your medications o Let family members know where your medications are kept if they need to get them to you in a hospital setting. o Know what kind of insurance you have (i.e. Part D, Supplemental, Advantage Plan, SeniorCare, etc.) For more information on this, please contact Julie at 929-3521. Beware of This Utility Bill Assistance Scam - The scam claims the Obama administration will provide credits or apply a payment of $1,000 to utility bills through a new stimulus program. The scam tells customers a new federal program will pay their utility bills, if they give their personal information, including their Social Security numbers. The victims are given fake bank information to use when they pay their bills online. Utility officials said they do not make unsolicited phone calls, texts or emails asking for customers' personal information. Consumer Protection officials said they adamantly advise consumers to keep their Social Security numbers and other person information private. If customers have fallen victim to this scam, they should call the Wisconsin Consumer Protection hotline at (608) 224-4953.