New Medicare Rules
The Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 that President Bush signed into law in February directs the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to create a process that allows exceptions to the payment caps on out patient physical, speech/ language and occupational therapies from providers other than hospital out patient departments.

The therapy caps currently set at $1,740 each took effect again on January 1, 2006 after the latest in a series of moratoriums expired.

The process will allow providers where claims have already been denied because of the caps to ask Medicare carriers to re-open and review the claim.


VA Warning
The Veterans Administration is warning vets around the county to report fraud attempts by a company called Patient Care Group. This firm is claiming it is now dispensing VA prescriptions.

The company tells veterans that they must provide a credit card number to continue to receive their medication. This is part of a scam to get the veterans credit card number.


PACE/PACENET
PACE/PACENET is not sending out renewal applications in 2006. Your PACE/PACENET card will be renewed automatically this year.

When you receive your new PACE/PACENET card there will be information for those who do not qualify this year.

Your new card should come about two weeks before the expiration of your current PACE/PACENET card.

Also starting this year your PACE/PACENET will not include your Social Security number on your new card. You will tell your pharmacist your number when filling a prescription.


Home Repair Program
If your home is need of repairs, there may be a way to fix it up at minimal cost to you.

Neighborhhod Housing Services of Reading is offering a Community Home Repair Program.

The agency is giving home repair loans at a low interest rate of 3%.

These loans are available to qualified homeowners for the repair of roofs, furnaces, plumbing, or electrical systems. You could also replace those cold, drafty windows.

Call Neighborhood Housing Services at 610-372-8433 for more details.


 

Berks County Senior Citizens Council, Inc.
40 North Ninth Street
Reading, PA 19601
(610) 374-3195
berkssrs@bcscc.org