Wednesday, August 10, 2022

SHINE Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone - Insurance Review

The SHINE Program at the Peabody Senior Center provides free health insurance information, counseling and assistance in navigating the Medicare and MassHealth systems for seniors.

Counselors are available for in person and remote counseling over the phone.

To make a telephone appointment with a SHINE counselor at the PCOA, please contact 978-531-2254. You may also call the Regional SHINE office at Mystic Valley Elder Services at 781-388-4845.

Complete and return this form prior to scheduling your SHINE appointment.

>>Click here for LARGER image or to printable version>>

>>Click here for Part D Screen Form - Fillable Word Doc>>

>>Click here for Part D Screen Form Fillable PDF File>>

>>Click here for Authorization - Fillable Word Doc>>

>>Click here for Authorization - Fillable PDF File>>

Additional Instructions

Microsoft Word

Select "Download", then "Open With" Microsoft Word

Place cursor on a "Click Here" field. In Microsoft Word, User can tab to each field to complete form.

PDF Filler

If user has a pdf Filler (a simple pdf reader will not allow a user to fill in the blanks)

Select "Download", then "Open With" PDF Filler

Place cursor on "Click Here" field, delete the words "click here" and fill in correct information.

User can Save and Send document

Hard copies available upon request.

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Additional Info Part D Screen Form

Income and asset information is requested to screen for programs that are available such as MassHealth, Fuel Assistance, SNAP and Extra Help from Social Security. If you've been screened by telephone, you do not need to complete this section.

Additional Info Authorization Form

This authorization will be valid for one day: Shine Counselor will fill in this Date upon receipt of the signed authorization. This will be your telephone appointment date. A SHINE counselor will contact you with your appointment date upon receipt of both these forms.

If further assistance is required, please contact Sheila at 978-531-2254, ext. 118.

Monday, August 8, 2022

MassHealth for seniors

MassHealth offers a broad range of health-care services by paying for part or all of a MassHealth member's health insurance, or paying medical providers for services given to MassHealth members.

Click below to link to Senior Guide to Health Care Coverage and for persons of any age needing long term care.

Senior Guide to Health Care Coverage [March 2022]

Application for Health Coverage for Seniors and People Needing Long-Term-Care Services [SACA-2 (03-22)]

>>Click here to download PDF or Printable version of The Health Safety Net>>

Friday, August 5, 2022

Is a Credit Freeze or Fraud Alert Right for You?

>> Click HERE to link to Federal Trade Commission for Additional Info >>

During Identity Theft Awareness Week 2022, we’ve talked about reducing your risk of identity theft. Credit freezes and fraud alerts can help. Both are free and make it harder for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name. One may be right for you.

Credit freezes

A credit freeze is the best way you can protect against an identity thief opening new accounts in your name. When in place, it prevents potential creditors from accessing your credit report. Because creditors usually won’t give you credit if they can’t check your credit report, placing a freeze helps you block identity thieves who might be trying to open accounts in your name.

A freeze also can be helpful if you’ve experienced identity theft or had your information exposed in a data breach. And don’t let the “freeze” part worry you. A credit freeze won’t affect your credit score or your ability to use your existing credit cards, apply for a job, rent an apartment, or buy insurance. If you need to apply for new credit, you can lift the freeze temporarily to let the creditor check your credit. Placing and lifting the freeze is free, but you must contact the national credit bureaus to lift it and put it back in place.

Place a credit freeze by contacting each of the three national credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. A freeze lasts until you remove it.

Fraud alerts

A fraud alert doesn’t limit access to your credit report, but tells businesses to check with you before opening a new account in your name. Usually, that means calling you first to make sure the person trying to open a new account is really you.

Place a fraud alert by contacting any one of the three national credit bureaus. That one must notify the other two. A fraud alert lasts one year and you can renew it for free. If you’ve experienced identity theft, you can get an extended fraud alert that lasts for seven years.

Learn more about credit freezes, fraud alerts, and active duty alerts for service members. And, if identity theft happens to you, visit IdentityTheft.gov to report it and get a personal recovery plan.

The Massachusetts Attorney General's Guide to Consumer Credit

>>Click HERE for LARGER image or to printable version>>

The Attorney General's Elder Hotline

>>Click HERE to link to Mass.gov for additional info>>

The Attorney General’s Elder Hotline

The Attorney General’s Office has a statewide, toll-free hotline to help elders with a range of issues.

Call the Elder Hotline at (888) AG-ELDER or (888) 243-5337. TTY: (617) 727-4765.

The Elder Hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The hotline is staffed by senior volunteers\

How the Elder Hotline can help you

Senior volunteers with the Elder Hotline can help you find answers to your questions, resolve disputes with businesses, and assist with other issues including: