The following item ran in “Kokua Line” on Sept. 27.
Question: I am over 65 and use Medicare. Thankfully, I am pretty healthy but I do need to visit the doctor from time and time. I carry my Medicare card in my wallet because it’s my health card (“proof of insurance”).
With all the news about identity theft they always say not to carry your Social Security card around with you because that’s risky if your purse gets stolen or you lose it. But my Social Security Number is on my Medicare card! This is so upsetting!
Answer: You are not alone in your outrage. Lobbying from senior citizens and advocates across the country helped spur coming changes. A federal law passed in 2015 compels the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to stop using Social Security Numbers on Medicare account cards.
The federal agency says it will begin mailing new cards in April and plans to replace all the old Medicare cards by the following year (April 2019).
The new cards “will use a unique, randomly-assigned number called a Medicare Beneficiary Identifier, to replace the Social Security-based Health Insurance Claim Number currently used on the Medicare card,” CMS said in a May news release.
In the meantime, display your Medicare card only for those who truly need to see it.
Even after you receive your new card, you should be careful with it, as Medicare fraud also is a big problem.
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The following item ran in “Kokua Line” on Sept. 14.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide needs more volunteers to help people prepare their income taxes this upcoming tax season.
Nearly 13,000 Hawaii residents relied on the free service last season, which helps people, especially those over 50, who can’t afford a tax-preparation service. AARP trains the volunteers, who don’t need to be accountants, over 50 or members of the advocacy group.
“There is need for volunteer tax preparers, client facilitators, those who can provide technical and management assistance and interpreters. Every level of experience is welcome,” according to an AARP news release. Computer proficiency is helpful, but not required; bilingual or multilingual volunteers are especially needed. To learn more, check aarpfoundation.org/taxaide or call 1-888-687-2277 and follow the voice prompts.
Last tax season, Tax-Aide was available at about 30 sites in Hawaii, including public libraries and senior centers. Volunteers who help prepare taxes complete training and IRS certification before they begin; other volunteer roles require less expertise.
“They don’t have to be accountants,” said Craig Gima, a spokesman for AARP Hawaii. “We are just looking for people who want to help others.”
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