Older Americans Month, established in 1963, is celebrated every May. Led by a federal agency, the Administration for Community Living, OAM is a time to recognize older Americans’ contributions, highlight aging trends and reaffirm commitments to serving the older adults in our communities.

This year’s theme, “Powered by Connection,” focuses on the profound impact of meaningful connections on older adults’ well-being and health. The Johnson County Department of Aging and Human Services is celebrating Older Americans Month by hosting a series of weekly classes in May.

If you want to hear more, please call 913-715-8800.

What can individuals do to connect?

• Invite more connection into your life by finding a new passion, joining a social club, taking a class or trying new activities in your community.
• Stay engaged in your community by giving back through volunteering, working, teaching or mentoring.
• Invest time with people to build new relationships and discover deeper connections with your family, friends, colleagues or neighbors.

How can groups and businesses mark OAM?

• Through professional and personal networks, spread the word about the mental, physical, and emotional health benefits of social connection.
• Encourage social media followers to share their thoughts and stories of connection using hashtag #PoweredByConnection to inspire and uplift.
• Promote engaging opportunities, like cultural activities, recreational programs and interactive virtual events.
• Connect older adults with local services, such as counseling, to help them overcome obstacles to meaningful relationships and access to support systems.
• Host connection-centric events or programs where older adults can serve as mentors to peers, younger adults or youths.

Medicare Fraud Prevention Week

As technology becomes more sophisticated, so does the threat of healthcare fraud. This is why in 2022, the Administration for Community Living established the Medicare Fraud Prevention week every June to raise awareness about prevention strategies to avoid Medicare fraud, abuse and errors.

Medicare Fraud Prevention Week will be celebrated June 3-9.

Fraud requires the intent to deceive or misrepresent information to receive undue or higher reimbursement. Common types of Medicare fraud and abuse include medical identity theft, billing for services or items that are unnecessary, unsolicited, or were not received, misrepresenting patient information with the intent to justify payment or bribes to providers or patients to solicit referrals and business.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services designated the 4 Rs for Medicare prevention:

1. Record appointments and services
2. Review services provided
3. Report suspected fraud
4. Remember to protect personal information, like your Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, credit card and bank account numbers.

If you suspect Medicare fraud, errors or abuse, address it immediately by taking these steps:

• Rule out error: If you have questions about information on your or your loved one’ s Medicare Summary Notice or Explanation of Benefits, call the provider or plan and ask for an explanation.
• Get help from the Kansas Senior Medicare Patrol at 800-432-3535: If you are not comfortable calling the provider or plan or if you are not satisfied with their response, your local SMP can help you to identify and report fraud schemes and deceptive health care practices, such as illegal marketing or billing for services that were never provided.