Helpful information from the AG

In the event of a medical emergency, first responders have little time to ask patients the important questions they need to know before treating someone or transporting them to a hospital. Sometimes, a patient is unable to provide any information at all.

And because mere seconds matter during an emergency, the Attorney General provides File of Life to senior citizens and others to keep important medical information accessible to first responders.

Arkansans can list their preferred doctors or hospitals, as well as emergency contact information. Current medications are listed along with any known allergies, medical conditions and medical and surgical history.

The information fits into an index-card sized pouch with a magnet so the file can be attached to a refrigerator, so it is easily locatable when needed.

To obtain a File of Life or receive multiple files for senior citizens organizations, complete this short order form, email community@arkansasag.gov or call 501-682-2007.

How to avoid scams

• Don’t answer a call from a number you don’t know.

• If it is a legitimate call, they will leave a voice message. However, scammers leave voice mails too.

• If it is a scam call or a robocall, it’s likely an attempt to verify that it is a working number.

• If you answer, you could receive other scam calls. If you don’t answer, eventually they will stop calling because they cannot confirm it’s a working number.

• If you answer a call that turns out to be a robocall or a scam, hang up.

• Don’t press any buttons or give any information.

• If the caller is a real person, tell them to remove you from their calling list — and HANG UP without another word.

• They want to gather as much information as possible about you.

• Wiring money is like giving cash away. If you wire money, there is no protection for you if you later learn that the recipient is not who they claimed to be.

• Never give out personal or banking information in response to a phone, email or mail inquiry. Contact the entity requesting the information directly through a different method to verify that it is a reputable company with which you have an existing relationship.

• Never send money to someone who you do not know and haven’t met in person.

• It is always a scam if they ask you to wire money or pay with a prepaid credit card or gift card.

• When purchasing items or services online, make sure you research the seller and know their physical location.

• If you are giving to charity, especially in the wake of a natural disaster, give to an organization that has a strong history in providing relief. Instead of paying in cash, make a check or money order payable to the charitable organization, not an individual.

• Most importantly, if the offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Investigate the offer before accepting or paying any money.

Medicaid and Medicare

The Arkansas attorney general’s office works alongside other agencies to assist consumers in navigating the sometimes complex programs of Medicare and Medicaid.

Medicare is an insurance program for senior citizens and is administered by the federal government. For most questions, Medicare beneficiaries may call 800-MEDICARE (633-4227) or go to Medicare.gov. Here, consumers can obtain information about individual coverage and the status of claims. On the website, consumers may review Medicare Advantage plans, Part D drug plans, and other topics of interest. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services also provides free educational information on this site.

Arkansas Medicaid is a health program managed by the State of Arkansas and jointly funded by State and federal dollars. The Arkansas Department of Human Services administers the Arkansas Medicaid program. DHS’S local county offices are the point of contact and primary resource for Medicaid beneficiaries and applicants. Beneficiaries and applicants may also contact Client Assistance at 800-482-8988.

Arkansas’ Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries may experience the following issues and should first contact Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services or Arkansas Medicaid for assistance in resolving these issues:

• Enrolling a beneficiary in a Medicare Advantage plan without their knowledge.

• Coordination of benefits between Medicare and private insurance.

• Third-party liability issues where Medicare or Medicaid is not the primary payer.

• False claims for services.

• Assistance in finding a Medicare plan.

Scams

Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries are frequently targeted by scam artists. To avoid becoming the victim of fraud or identity theft, remember the following:

• Never give out any personal information in person, over the phone, or on the Internet to people or companies with which you are unfamiliar.

• If personal information is requested, verify the request for information directly with the company or organization involved by contacting the entity using a telephone number from an independent source.

• Remember that legitimate Medicare organizations never attempt to collect sensitive information, Social Security numbers, addresses, and Medicare numbers.

• Senior citizens or family members should call 800-MEDICARE (633-4227) to report any of these types of calls or go to Medicare fraud to learn more about efforts to fight these types of scams.