frequently Asked Questions
The common scams that tend to target retired and elderly people are government impersonator scams, fake prize, sweep stakes, and lottery scams, computer tech support scams, and the grandparent scam. To get more information about how to report and avoid scams there are three different places you can contact as follows: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Federal Trade Commission, and the National Elder Fraud Hotline. Certain tips that the elderly can use to avoid scams and fraud are: don’t wire money, don’t pay with a gift card, don’t pay with crypto currency, and report fraud to the FTC. You can report fraud to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. You can learn how to protect the elderly in your family by accessing “Money Smart for Older Adults” and passing it on!
More information about the scams listed above can be found here.
More information about how to prevent and report scams can be found here.
Social security is a pay as you go insurance program that provides benefits to people with inadequate or no income, or people who are retired. To qualify for social security retirement benefits, you need to earn at least 40 social security credits. As you work throughout your lifetime, social security taxes are taken out of your income. The normal retirement age (NRA) is 65-67. You may claim benefits as early as age 62, but they will not be full benefits like you would receive at age 65-67. To apply for social security benefits, you must fill out some forms and provide certain documentation such as your birth certificate, social security card, etc. You should apply four months prior to the timeline you would like to be receiving benefit.
For more information on social security, click the links below!
https://www.ssa.gov/about-ssa
https://www.findlaw.com/socialsecurity/basics.html
https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/economics/social-security/
Most people should enroll in Medicare at age 65 during their 7-month Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)—starting 3 months before their 65th birthday month and ending 3 months after—to avoid coverage gaps and late enrollment penalties. If you are still working and have employer health coverage, you may be able to delay Medicare Part B without penalties. You can enroll through a Special Enrollment Period while covered or within 8 months after employment or coverage ends. If you miss your enrollment window and do not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you can sign up during the General Enrollment Period (January 1–March 31), but late penalties may apply.
See when you’re eligible through: https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/plan/when-to-sign-up
When can I sign up for Medicare link: https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/sign-up/when-can-i-sign-up-for-medicare
Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 years of age and older. It also includes people under 65 with a disability. There are 2 main types of Medicare: Part A and Part B. Part A is assisted hospital insurance while Part B is medical insurance as it covers some outside wellness care.
For specificity regarding what each of the parts cover, click the links below!
https://www.medicare.gov/what-medicare-covers
https://www.medicare.gov/coverage
https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/is-your-test-item-or-service-covered
Compare different plans to see which one is right for you: https://www.medicare.gov/plan-compare/#/?lang=en&year=2026
Prescription costs can be a major burden, especially for seniors on fixed incomes. The most direct way to get assistance is by applying for key programs like Medicare Extra Help and State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs). Exploring these options can help make medications more affordable.
Medicare prescription drug assistance: https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/help/drug-costs
Guide for prescription help: https://sirum.org/prescription-help-for-seniors-guide/
If Medicare denies coverage, review your denial notice (such as your Medicare Summary Notice or your plan’s denial letter) to understand why coverage was denied and note the appeal deadline. Gather supporting documents, including a letter from your doctor and any relevant medical records, then submit your appeal to Original Medicare, your Medicare Advantage plan, or your Medicare Part D drug plan before the deadline. If your appeal is denied, you may have additional levels of appeal available, so don’t give up after the first decision.
Medicare Appeals: https://www.medicare.gov/providers-services/claims-appeals-complaints/appeals
Original Medicare Appeals: https://www.medicare.gov/providers-services/claims-appeals-complaints/appeals/original-medicare
Contact Medicare (1-800-MEDICARE): https://www.medicare.gov/talk-to-someone
Medicaid is a joint federal and state health program for American citizens, mainly low-income adults and people with limited resources, children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities. The state administers this health coverage, which offers benefits that Medicare doesn’t usually cover, like a nursing home and personal care services.
More information on Medicaid can be found here.
How to apply?
https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/national-medicaid-chip-program-information/medicaid-chip-enrollment-data/index.html
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) runs programs benefiting veterans and members of their families. It offers education opportunities and rehabilitation services and provides compensation payment for disabilities or death related to military service, home loan guaranties, pensions, burials, and health care that includes the services of nursing homes, clinics, and medical centers.
Those who believe they may be eligible for these benefits can check here.
Do you qualify? Apply Here.
Senior discounts are available across the U.S in various different stores and services. Some of these include Kohls, AppleBees, and American Airlines.
For a broader list of services and stores that allow senior discounts, click here.
Telehealth is certain medical or health questions from a doctor or provider using audio and visual communications such as a laptop or your phone. You can get many of the same services that usually occur in-person as telehealth services, like psychotherapy and office visits. In order to access your appointment, log into the provided link for the appointment from your doctor, ensure that the camera is stable, you are centered in the frame, and that your sound is working and then begin your appointment.
For more information on Telehealth and how it works, click the links below!
https://www.medicaladvantage.com/blog/what-is-telehealth-and-how-does-it-work
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/telehealth/art-20044878
Many insurance companies pay for telehealth services. Looking into your insurance provider and finding out what they cover in terms of telehealth could be very beneficial in seeing what your insurance company covers and if your telehealth visit would be covered by your insurance. Your doctor’s office should be able to inform you if your visit is covered by insurance as well.
More information on paying for Telehealth can be found here.