Page 35 - Amarillo Senior Link Magazine Winter 2020- Online Magazine

The Texas Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) is ready public. The highest level of volunteering is providing
to provide you with the information you need to presentations to interested groups and organizations
PROTECT yourself from Medicare fraud, errors, and across the Texas Panhandle. The information covers
abuse; DETECT potential fraud, errors, and abuse; not only the current scam of genetic testing but also the
and REPORT your concerns. SMPs help educate and most prevalent scam in our area, braces for the back and
empower Medicare beneficiaries in the fight against knees.
health care fraud. The Texas SMP can help you with
your questions, concerns, or complaints about potential As of October 2019, the program has educated over 400
fraud and abuse issues. It also provides information groups about the SMP message: “Protect, Detect, and
and educational presentations. Contact the Texas SMP Report”. Each attendee receives a personal health care
Hotline at 1-888-341-6187. journal and other SMP materials. As a result of this
outreach, Medicare fraud has been reported from within
Currently, Laurie McAfee, LBSW (Licensed the Texas Panhandle. The local SMP program is willing
Baccalaureate Social Worker) is the program lead for to do programs for any organization. To schedule a
the Senior Medicare Patrol in the top 26 counties of the program or for volunteer opportunities in the Texas
Texas Panhandle. This program is offered through the Panhandle, please call 806-331-2227 and ask for Laurie
Area Agency on Aging (AAA) located at 415 SW 8th McAfee.
Ave, Amarillo, TX 79101. The program was initiated in
Amarillo in 2013 and currently has eight volunteers. A
current SMP volunteer, Kaitlyn Collins, has passed out Contact Information:
SMP materials at the local Walmarts in the Amarillo
area. Texas Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Jennifer Salazar,
Director
Volunteer work can be as simple as handing out SMP
material at local stores, senior living complexes, senior 1-888-341-6187
centers and even libraries. Attending local health
fairs and events is another way to help educate the jsalazar@bbbhou.org

Area Agency on Aging

of the Panhandle

Caregiver Support Program

Are you a caregiver taking care of a loved one and need help?
The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) Caregiver program can
provide you with assistance with the following services:
Temporary Respite

Either in home or in a facility, respite hours are provided to
give caregivers a break.
Support Group

Join us the first Monday of every month at the AAA to share
and learn from others caring for their loved ones. For more information or
Income Support & Health Maintenance assistance please call:

We may assist caregivers by purchasing incontinent supplies, (806) 331-2227
nutritional supplements, shower chairs, etc.

Amarillo Senior Link 35