CHA Supports S.286 & HR 945 ~ Allow LMFTs to Be Medicare Providers for Mental Health Services
Read moreCalifornia Health Advocates submitted this letter in support of S.286 & HR 945 which would allow LMFTs to become Medicare providers for mental health services. June 04, 2019 Honorable Congressman Mike Thompson and Senator John Barrasso Re: Support for S.286 & HR 945 – Allowing LMFTs to become Medicare providers for mental...
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New Fraud Alert in 9 Languages ~ Beware of Genetic Testing Scams
Read moreReports of genetic testing scams continue to increase and are currently our top reported scam in California. Because of this, we’ve created a new fraud alert available in 9 languages. It includes an overview of the scams and helpful tips for prevention. This alert is downloadable as a PDF and is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese,...
CalFresh Benefits Available to Seniors & People with Disabilities on SSI as of June 1
Read moreStarting June 1, 2019, older adults and people with disabilities who receive Supplement Security Income (SSI)/State Supplementary Payment (SSP) will be able to receive CalFresh benefits. This expansion of benefits will significantly help put fresh, healthy foods on the table for some of our state’s most vulnerable populations, low-income seniors and people with disabilities...
Bipartisan BENES Act Would Simplify Medicare Part B Enrollment
Read moreFor many people nearing Medicare eligibility, the question about whether or not to sign up for Medicare Part B is confusing and has significant financial and health coverage access consequences for getting it “wrong”. Those who are already receiving Social Security benefits at 65 years of age, don’t need to worry as they will...
CHA Honors Bonnie Burns for Over 20 Years of Dedicated Work & Advocacy
Read moreCalifornia Health Advocates is deeply grateful for Bonnie Burns, our Training & Policy Specialist, and her many contributions to consumers state and nationwide. Among many things, her decades of advocacy efforts have ensured that older adults enjoy numerous consumer protections in long-term care insurance, and have brought about the standardization of Medicare supplemental insurance,...
House of Representatives Holds First “Medicare-for-All” Hearing
Read moreLast week, Congress’ House of Representatives held the first ever “Medicare-for-All” hearing. Six hours of emotional testimony was given on the Medicare for All Act of 2019 (H.R. 1384), including testimony from Ady Barkan, a 35 year old single-payer activist with ALS with a courageous, challenging and touching story. This legislation, introduced by Democratic Reps....
Beware of Increasing Genetic Testing Scams
Read moreOur California Senior Medicare Patrol has seen an alarming increase in fraudulent billing where older adults are deceived into getting a cheek swab procedure done (aka genetic testing). The scammer claims that this procedure will test for cancer and/or other health conditions and that it is fully covered by Medicare or Medi-Cal. The...
Social Security is Here for the Long Haul ~ Don’t Believe the Myths
Read moreWith news headlines expounding on the doom of Social Security and Medicare, many people believe that Social Security will not be there when they retire. This is not true. Yes, Social Security has some financial challenges, as seen in the recent annual report from the Social Security Board of Trustees, but when the headlines...