Tag Archives: Medicare

Cumberland Prevention Coalition will use $100,000 in State Opioid Abatement Money to fund a new older adult prevention specialist. Executive Director Lachelle Lee said 32 percent of the Cumberland County population is 65 years old or older, some 15 percent higher than the state average. She said this demographic has a hard time getting treatment and is often more susceptible ... Read More »

UCDD’s SHIP program will host the first in a series of classes to help Medicare beneficiaries get more clarity in their policies this Tuesday. SHIP/SMP Volunteer Coordinator Erin Perdue said that SHIP stands for State Health Insurance Assistance Program. She said that SHIP offers free and unbiased Medicare counseling to beneficiaries and their loved ones. “There are approximately 100,000 Medicare ... Read More »

Putnam County is exploring a health insurance bridge program for county employees who are ready to retire, but not yet eligible for Medicare. Mayor Randy Porter said the cost isn’t too high–only $40,000 or $50,000 a year, and could actually end up saving the county money. “It’s a benefit to them, it rewards them, but also in the long run, ... Read More »

The Upper Cumberland State Health Insurance and Assistance (SHIP) Program needs volunteers. Upper Cumberland SHIP Coordinator Amanda Smith said they’ve seen an influx of counseling calls and want to provide more outreach and followups. Smith said that volunteers will help provide free, unbiased counseling to get people the health care they need. “There’s a lot of companies that are out ... Read More »

Help for affordable health care is available in the Upper Cumberland through the Tennessee Healthcare Campaign. Campaign Organizer Thomas Savage said 44 percent of people in Putnam, Overton, Clay and Cumberland Counties have no insurance or use the Affordable Care Act. Savage said that open enrollment has been extended until August 15. “This new Tennessee Healthcare Campaign under the Rescue ... Read More »

Fentress County Commissioners approved purchasing a building for a stand-alone UT Medical Center facility. Commissioners agreed to purchase the old Fentress Health Systems building for $655,707. County Executive Jimmy Johnson said a long-term commitment was needed for UT Medical to lobby the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for restriction changes. “Passing this right here, these two amendments, I was ... Read More »

The Fentress County Commission has given the county executive permission to move forward in finding a location for a stand-alone University of Tennessee emergency room. County Executive Jimmy Johnson met with UT Medical Center officials Monday for more than 90 minutes. County Attorney Leslie Ledbetter said the University wants the county to pursue a long-term lease or the purchase of ... Read More »

Medicare open enrollment begins on Thursday and there are things to consider if someone is looking to change plans. Swallows Insurance Account Executive Cassandra Newman said this is important for people considering a change with their Medicare Advantage or Prescription Part D plan. Newman said being aware of your current doctors and prescriptions are essential to choosing coverage. “Make sure ... Read More »

The Tennessee Comptroller’s Office reports an 87 percent increase in the financial exploitation of the elderly over the last four years. Middle Tennessee Better Business Bureau President Robyn Householder said scammers prey on elders during situations like stock market instability, COVID-19 and natural disasters. Householder said tornado relief scams have slowed since March, but charities and storm chasing contractors are ... Read More »