Resource Directory Results
How to Print your Search Results
To Print a Single Resource – Click the “Print Resource” link within the resource listing to view a printer-friendly page. When the page opens, right-click within the page and select “Print”.
To Print Multiple Resources – First, select specific resources for your list by checking the “Add to List” box next to each resource. Or, to print all the resources shown on the page, check the “Add All To Print List” box. Next, click “Print List” to generate a printer-friendly PDF document. You can then print the document or save it to your computer.
NOTE: Remember to print your list before you leave this page. Checked items will be lost if you leave this page.
Frauds and Scams
All too often, scam artists find a good target with older adults. One of the main reasons is simply that seniors are more likely than other people to be home during the day to accept calls or visits. According to the FBI, scam artists also target older adults because they often have savings, a good credit rating, and may be reluctant to report a crime for fear their family will consider them unfit to live independently. The Ohio Department of Insurance reports that seniors attract 30 percent of reported fraud cases and are three times more likely to be swindled.
No one wants seniors to cut themselves off from the world out of fear. But a little skepticism can help protect you. As the slogan goes, you can be "shrewd, but not rude." Here are some tips:
- Do not let strangers into your home even if they claim to be associated with an agency you are familiar with. Representatives of legitimate organizations -- such as Council on Aging -- will show you proper identification. You should feel free to call the organization to verify your visitor is legitimate.
- If it's too good to be true, it probably is. Don't make a hasty decision because some is pressuring you with a "limited-time offer." Ask for written information and time to think it over. Never accept free medical equipment or services in exchange for your Medicare number.
- Do not give personal information over the phone, internet, by mail or in person to an unfamiliar company or person, even if you are told it is "just for verification purposes."
- Pay only for services rendered. Be wary of any requests to send money or bank account information before a service or product is delivered. Examples: paying in advance for home repairs or asking for your credit card number in order to mail you a prize or to verify your identity.
- Retrieve your mail daily or have a trusted friend or family member get it for you.
- Destroy unneeded documents, such as financial records, that contain information that could be used to conduct business in your name.
- Do not allow someone to write checks for you unless you have previously and formally authorized them to do so. If you need help, contact the Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio at 513-721-1025.
- Do not lend money or belongings to someone working for you. If someone runs an errand for you, give only the money needed for the task, get a receipt and count your change.
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Cincinnati OH 45202
Description:
Promotes ethical relationships between businesses and the public through voluntary self-regulation, consumer and business education and service excellence. Provides the public with registered complaints from consumers against different businesses.
Use the BBB to obtain information about businesses. You can utilize the service by mail, phone, fax, or e-mail.
Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Hotline
Description:
You are encouraged to report matters involving Medicaid fraud, waste and abuse. To assist you in combating fraud you are being provided with the following guidelines.
Before you get in touch with your state Medicaid contact or call the National Fraud Hotline, please be ready to provide as much information as possible, including:
- The name of the Medicaid client
- The client's Medicaid card number
- The name of the doctor, hospital, or other health care provider
- The date of service
- The amount of money that Medicaid approved and/or paid
- A description of the acts that you suspect involves fraud or abuse relating to your allegation.
Who to Contact
Contact Your State Directly - Medicaid is a joint Federal and State-funded program. Although the Federal Government requires that certain persons are eligible for Medicaid benefits and sets standards for quality of care, the States carry out most of the day-to-day business of Medicaid. If you suspect that fraud is being committed against Medicaid, your first contact should be the Program Integrity contact in the agency that oversees your State's Medicaid program, which is usually called the State Medicaid Agency.
In Ohio: Ohio Department of Job and Family Services or Ohio Attorney General's Office
To report welfare fraud: 614-728-7741 or 800-627-8133 (ODJFS)
To report general Medicaid fraud: 800-282-0515 (Attorney General)
Call the OIG National Fraud Hotline - A second way to report suspected fraud in Medicaid is to call the Office of Inspector General's (OIG) National Fraud Hotline or submit your report online. This hotline handles calls about both Medicaid and Medicare, but it is not as direct as calling your State contact.
If you choose to use the Hot Line and/or submit online as a means of reporting fraud, you are still asked to use the guidelines listed above before you make your call.
Dial 1-800-HHS-TIPS
(1-800-447-8477)
Ohio Attorney General
Columbus OH 43215
Description:
By law, the Attorney General is the chief law officer for the state of Ohio. The Office protects Ohio families from predatory financial practices through enforcement authority in the areas of consumer protection, antitrust, charitable organizations, and health care fraud.
The office offers services to protect the most vulnerable Ohio citizens, including children, the elderly, victims of crime and those who are preyed upon by greed in its many forms: unfair, illegal or shady business practices, criminal conduct and abuse of power and corruption. Programs are also available to support veterans, active duty military, and their families.
The Consumer Protection Section protects Ohioans from predatory and illegal business practices. With authority granted by the Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act and other statutes, the section enforces laws that prohibit unfair and deceptive practices including but not limited to: false advertising, shoddy workmanship, and failure to perform services or to deliver goods.
Consumers can file a complaint online or by calling 800-282-0515.
Ohio Department of Insurance
Columbus OH 43215
Description:
The mission of the Ohio Department of Insurance is to provide consumer protection through education and fair but vigilant regulation while promoting a stable and competitive environment for insurers. The department publishes several consumer's guides, including:
Shopper's Guide to Long-term Care Insurance
Shopper's Guide to Life Insurance
Empty Nester's Guide to Auto Insurance
Shopper's Guide to Annuities Insurance
Shopper's Guide to Medicare Supplement Insurance, Medicare Options and Part D
Other Services Include:
Ohio Senior Medicare Patrol Project
Cincinnati 45237
Description:
Ohio SMP Is Seeking Volunteers
Did you know that one out of every seven Medicare dollars goes to fraud, waste and abuse? That Medicare fraud, waste and abuse cost you $13 billion?
To help address this national problem, Pro Seniors receives funding from the Administration on Aging for a Senior Medicare Patrol Project. Named Ohio SMP this project helps older Americans be wiser health care consumers. Seniors are taught to better understand their Medicare statements so they can detect potential fraud and errors and then take the appropriate steps to correct them.
At the heart of Ohio SMP are volunteers who are often retirees. They educate groups of older Americans about illegitimate Medicare practices or provide individual assistance to those questioning the accuracy of their statements. Presentations may be offered in the volunteer's own community at churches, retired professional organizations, social groups and other locations where seniors gather. Project staff is also available to assist in coordinating presentations. In addition to the Administration on Aging, Ohio SMP has received strong support from the Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio.
Anyone interested in volunteering may contact Jane Winkler at (513) 458-5523.
Social Security Administration
Baltimore MD 21235
Description:
The Social Security Act was signed into law by President Roosevelt on August 14, 1935. In addition to several provisions for general welfare, the new Act created a social insurance program designed to pay retired workers age 65 or older a continuing income after retirement.
The tops services offered by the Social Security Administration:
- Get or replace a Social Security card
- Apply online for retirement benefits
- Apply online for disability benefits
- Apply online for Medicare
- Apply for SSI, survivors or family benefits
- Estimate your retirement benefits
- Get Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs
- Locate a Social Security office
- Glossary of Social Security Terms
How to contact Social Security.
For Medicare recipients, Social Security can help with:
- Medicare eligibility and enrollment
- Replacing a Medicare card
- Changing your address for Medicare
- Questions on Medicare premiums
Reporting Social Security Fraud
If you suspect Social Security fraud, contact the Office of Inspector General (OIG) using one of the following methods:
- Use the online Fraud Reporting form;
- Call the Fraud Hotline number at 1-800-269-0271 (TTY 1-866-501-2101) between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday;
- Send a fax: 410-597-0118 (standard long distance rates may apply); or
- Write to: Social Security OIG Hotline
P.O. Box 17785
Baltimore, Maryland 21235-7785.
Social Security's Office of Inspector General takes reports of fraud very seriously. Without sufficient identifying information, OIG will be unable to act on your allegation. Therefore, be sure to include as much of the following information as you can when you call:
- Name, address, telephone number, and Social Security number of the person suspected of fraud. Also include the individual's date and place of birth, father's name, and mother's birth name, if known;
- A complete description of the potential fraud incident; and
- Your name, address, and telephone number.
Stop Medicare Fraud and Abuse
Easton Maryland
Description:
Official Web site of US Department of Health and Human Services and the US Justice Department with information about Medicare Fraud, how to prevent it, and how to report it.
Take Action
Columbus 43215
Description:
The Ohio Department of Insurance, Ohio Department of Aging, Ohio Department of Commerce and Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray`s office have partnered on an initiative aimed at helping people recognize deceptive sales practices and schemes, preventing Medicare and health care fraud, safeguarding their online information, and warding off unwanted telemarketers and spammers.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Description:
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was launched on June 15, 2006 by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations. The purpose of WEAAD is to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect.
In addition, WEAAD is in support of the United Nations International Plan of Action acknowledging the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue. WEAAD serves as a call-to-action for individuals, organizations, and communities to raise awareness about elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Visit the WEAAD microsite to find resources, events, and ideas to take action!