4. How will the agency continue to help older adults to avail themselves of the Medicare benefits available to them?
PCOA provides information and assistance for a variety of issues related to Medicare access. Specifically, this program encompasses State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), Senior Medicare Patrol and Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) programming. As part of SHIP, trained staff and volunteers provide unbiased and fact-based information and counseling in the following areas: • Medicare eligibility, enrollment timelines and procedures, and how to avoid late enrollment penalties • Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplemental, and Medicare Prescription Drug Plan options • Financial assistance with Medicare Part B premiums and prescription drug costs • Medicare compatibility with other insurance • Billing, appeals, and complaints Senior Medicare Patrol empowers and assists Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to prevent, detect, and report Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse. When Medicare fraud or abuse is suspected, PCOA’s Medicare staff wor ks one-on-one with beneficiaries to make referrals to the appropriate state and federal agencies for further investigation. Senior Medicare Patrol engages in outreach and education through event tabling and group presentations. In the previous fiscal year, five staff and 17 volunteers assisted 2,563 SHIP cases; and volunteers gave 852 hours of their time. Additionally, SHIP held 23 Medicare presentations, attended by 191 individuals. Thirty-seven people received low-income subsidies to assist with prescription costs and 242 individuals with Medicare savings for Parts A and B deductibles, co-pays, and other related costs. Senior Medicare Patrol held 26 presentations attended by 331 individuals. Twenty-one volunteers assisted 98 individuals with advocacy and assistance over 43 hours. PCOA is committed in continuing at least at this level of assistance.
5. What is the agency’s involvement in improving the coordination of transportation services to assist elderly individuals in communities within your planning and service area?
PCOA supports the provision of transportation for older adults in several ways. At each of the Congregate Meal sites, the Center Manager assists clients in identifying transportation options to and from the Center, including ordering Sun Van rides from PCOA when the client has mobility limitations and cannot afford the cost of the ride. At the writing of this Plan, the City of Tucson’s public transportation system (SunTran, SunLink, SunVan, etc.) is provided at no cost to riders. That has been done through the use of federal ARPA funding received by the City. The City is exploring how to keep the system fare-free beyond the June 30, 2023 date when ARPA funding is set to expire. PCOA’s plan may change based on decisions made by the City. PCOA also contracts with Posada Life Community Services for rides to the Congregate Meal site in Green Valley.
Region II: PCOA
Area Plan 2024-2027
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