NORTHWEST MISSOURI  

         AREA AGENCY ON AGING

211 South Polk Street,  PO Box 265,  Albany, MO 64402 

 Telephone Toll Free: 888-844-5626  ۩  Local: 660-726-3800  ۩  Fax: 660-726-4113  ۩  E-Mail: nwmoaaa@alltel.net

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seniors organized to restore trust (S.O.R.T.)

S.O.R.T Specialists are retired professionals who attend a three-day S.O.R.T. (Seniors Organized to Restore Trust) training.  They receive training on Medicare, Medicaid, supplemental insurance and health care fraud and abuse.  These volunteers offer counseling and assistance free of charge.

What happens if I call the S.O.R.T. Program?

Your question or concern is referred to a S.O.R.T. Specialist in your community.  The volunteer works with you to resolve your complaint.  If fraud or abuse is suspected, the case is referred to the appropriate investigative agency for further review.

Tips to Prevent Fraud -- "Dos and Don'ts"

·     Don't ever give out your Medicare number (on your Medicare card) except to your  doctor or your other Medicare provider.

·     Don't allow anyone, except appropriate medical professionals, to review your medical records or recommend services.

·     Do be careful in accepting Medicare services that are represented as being free.

·     Do be cautious when you are offered free testing or screening in exchange for your Medicare card number.

·     Do be cautious of any provider who maintains that they have been endorsed by the Federal government or by Medicare.

  How You Can Make A Difference

You are critical in the fight to prevent fraud and abuse in the Medicare program.  Fighting fraud and abuse helps to ensure that Medicare benefits will be available whenever you need them. There are many ways that you can protect this benefit.

·     Be informed about the Medicare benefits.

·     Know the type, frequency, and quality of care being provided to you.

·     Know the services your doctor has ordered.

·     Ask questions about the services you receive.

·     Report concerns. You can make a confidential report to the S.O.R.T. program.  Please be assured that Medicare is very interested in any information you provide and will regard your report of suspected fraud and abuse with serious attention.

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The S.O.R.T. Program (Seniors Organized to Restore Trust) is comprised of retired professionals who are trained to identify potential fraud and abuse of the Medicare/ Medicaid system and report it.  These S.O.R.T. Specialists also receive intensive training in order to provide insurance counseling services.  If you have any questions, please call toll free 888-515-6565 or 888-844-5626.

This document was supported in part by a grant, Number. 90-AM-2337, from the Administration on Aging, Department of Health and Human Services. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to freely express  their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official Administration on Aging policy.       

QUALIFICATIONS FOR S.O.R.T. VOLUNTEERS:

● Be enthusiastic about wanting to stopping Medicare/Medicaid fraud and abuse

● Be highly motivated to help older persons

● Be willing to provide free counseling to Medicare/Medicaid beneficiaries and

●  At no time charge for these services  

● Be able to understand complex written material. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

● Counseling Medicare/Medicaid beneficiaries at counseling sites, through appointments with the    beneficiary, over the phone and through home visits (if the beneficiary is homebound)

● Attending routine meetings of all counselors for program updates, training or other issues that the S.O.R.T. Project Manager may want to address

● Presenting information to community groups on the Medicare/Medicaid program or supplemental insurance issues (this is optional)

● Submit statistics and reports to the S.O.R.T. Regional Coordinator, as required 

OUTCOMES/GOALS:

● To effectively counsel Medicare/Medicaid beneficiaries who have questions or problems with Medicare, Medicaid, HMO’s, supplement health insurance and/or long term care insurance.  

●  To be able to identify and report potential fraud and abuse.  

The volunteer will be given three days training, a comprehensive resource manual, refresher training and updates as needed.  There is a paid staff person available to answer questions or help with difficult cases. 

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