Mountain Views News          Saturday, June 21, 2014

11

THE GOOD LIFE

 Mountain Views News Saturday, June 21, 2014 

SENIOR HAPPENINGS

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR MEDICARE CARD FROM 
IDENTITY THEFT

Dear Savvy Senior:

I just turned 65 and received my Medicare card. 
I see that the ID number on my card is the same 
as my Social Security number, and on the back 
of the card it tells me I need to carry it with me 
at all times. What can I do to protect myself from 
identify theft if my purse and Medicare card get 
stolen? Conflicted Beneficiary

Dear Conflicted:

Many people new to Medicare are surprised to learn that the ID number on their Medicare card is 
identical to their Social Security number (SSN). After all, we’re constantly warned not to carry our 
SSN around with us, because if it gets lost or stolen, the result could be identity theft.

But the Medicare ID is more than an identifier. It’s proof of insurance. Beneficiaries need to show 
their Medicare card at the doctor’s office and the hospital in order to have Medicare pay for treatment.

Over the years, many consumer advocates, have called for a new form of Medicare identifica-tion. 
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which administers Medicare, also acknowl-edges the 
problem, but so far nothing has been done.

One of the main reasons is because it would cost an estimated $255 to $317 million to fix it. And 
that’s just the direct cost to the federal government. It doesn’t include the expense for physicians and 
other healthcare providers to adjust their systems, or the cost to the states.

Other government health systems like the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of 
Defense have already begun using ID numbers that are different from SSNs, but no one knows when 
Medicare will follow suit.

In the meantime, here are some tips offered by various consumer advocate groups that can help keep 
your Medicare card safe and out of the hands of fraudsters.

Protect Your Card

For starters, AARP suggests that you simply don’t carry your Medicare card at all, because it’s not 
necessary. Most healthcare providers already have their patients in their electronic systems and 
know how to bill you.

But if you really don’t feel comfortable not having it with you, then the Privacy Rights Clearing 
House, a national consumer resource on identity theft recommends that you make a photocopy of 
your card and cut it down to wallet size. Then use scissors to cut out the last four digits of your SSN, 
or take a black marker and cross them out, and carry that instead.

You will, however, need your actual Medicare card with you the first time you visit a new health care 
provider, who will likely want to make a photocopy of it for their files.

If you’re worried that you’ll need your card in an emergency situation in order to get care, you should 
know that emergency personnel cannot refuse you care until you show an insurance card. Although 
you’ll need to come up with billing information before leaving a hospital, that doesn’t mean you 
won’t receive care.

Lost or Stolen Cards

If your Medicare card does happen to get lost or stolen, you can replace it by calling Social Secu-rity 
at 800-772-1213. You can also apply for a new card online at ssa.gov/medicarecard or go to your local 
Social Security office.

If your Medicare card has been lost or stolen, you will need to watch out for Medicare fraud. You 
can do this by checking your quarterly Medicare summary notices for services or supplies you did 
not receive. If you spot anything suspicious or wrong, call the Inspector General’s fraud hotline at 
800-447-8477.

If you need help identifying Medicare fraud, contact your state Senior Medicare Patrol program. See 
smpresource.org or call 877-808-2468 for contact information.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim 
Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.


FYI - MEDICINE AND ALCOHOL MISUSE CAN HAPPEN UNINTENTIONALLY 

 The Food and Drug Administration on its website has some very useful information on the use of 
Alcohol while taking medications. Here are some signals that may indicate an alcohol or medication-
related problem:

Memory trouble after having a drink or taking medicine

Loss of coordination (walking unsteadily, frequent falls)

Changes in sleeping habits

Unexplained bruises

Being unsure of yourself

Irritability, sadness, depression

Unexplained chronic pain

Changes in eating habits

Wanting to stay alone a lot of the time

Failing to bathe or keep clean

Having trouble finishing sentences

Having trouble concentrating

Difficulty staying in touch with family or friends

Lack of interest in usual activities

Do you think you may be having trouble with alcohol or medications? Do you want to avoid a problem? 
Here are some things you can do:

Talk to someone you trust: Talk with your doctor or other health care professional. They can check 
for any problems you may be having and discuss treatment options with you. Ask for advice from 
a staff member at a senior center or other program in which you participate. Share your concerns 
with a friend, family member, or spiritual advisor.

Share the right information with your health care professional: Make a list for your doctor of all 
your medications. Remind your doctor or pharmacist about any previous conditions that might 
affect your ability to take certain medicines, such as allergies, a stroke, hypertension, serious heart 
disease, liver problems, or lung disease.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you want more information. Whenever possible, have your 
doctor or a member of the medical staff give you written advice or instructions.

From: http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/TipsforSeniors/

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HELPFUL HINT: White vinegar is an inexpensive way to keep your dishes 
sparkling, just pour white vinegar in the compartment of your dishwasher instead of 
a liquid rinse product.

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FOR YOUR FUNNY BONE 

Paul, late for an important meeting, was searching desperately for a parking spot in a parking lot. 
Looking up to the heaven’s he entreated “God if you find me a parking spot, I promise to start going 
to church again.” The words were barely out of his mouth, when a spot opened up right in front of 
his car.Paul looked back up, “never mind I found one.” 

 ~ ~ ~

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! … June Birthdays*

Nellie Haynes, Dorothy McKay, George Enyedi, Theresa Daley, Ann Dugerian, Marilyn 
McKernan, Pat Fujiwara, John Shier, Beth Smith-Kellock, Mary Carney, Ann Disbrow, 
Joan Ellison, Ruth Kirby, Irene Kudirka, Anne Montgomery, Trini Ornelas, Martha 
Spriggs, Pat Starkey, Kathleen Coyne, Suzanne Decker, Halcyon Koerber, Jacque Persing 
Jeanne Peterson and Grace Sanders.

 *To add your name to this distinguished list, please call the paper at 626.355.2737. YEAR of birth 
not required.

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Quote of the Week: Seize the moment. Remember all the women on the Titanic who waved off 
the dessert cart. - Erma Bombeck

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ACTIVITIES: Unless listed differently, all activities are at the Hart Park 
House (Senior Center) 222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre

 

 YMCA San Gabriel Valley Intervale Senior Café: Monday-Friday at 12:00 Noon 

(Participants are urged to arrive no later than 11:45 A.M.) 

All seniors 60 and up can take part in the lunch program. There is a suggested donation of $2.00 
for those 60 and over and $3.75 for non-senior guests. Daily reservations are necessary as space is 
limited. Please call 24 hours in advance...626.355.0256

Free Balance Class: Third Monday of every month 11:00 to 11:45 with Shannon Vandevelde. A 
variety of balance exercises are practiced; all ability levels are encouraged and welcomed.

Free Blood Pressure Testing: Held Second Tuesday of the month from 11:00 am-12:00 pm: No 
appointment necessary.

 

Bingo: Every Tuesday afternoon from 1:00 pm- 3:00 pm Cards are only .25c each! 

Chair Yoga Update: This class has become so popular that Instructor Paul Hagen has agreed to

offer another class. Starting Monday, April 7th chair yoga will meet twice a week on Mondays and 
Wednesdays from 11:00 to 11:45 am, except on the third Monday of the month when the balance 
class is held. Due to the demand for this class and Paul Hagen’s time a suggested donation of $5 at 
one of the classes is requested, but is not required. If you have any questions please feel free to stop 
by or give us a call 626.355.7394

Free Legal Consultation: Pasadena attorney Lem Makupson volunteers on the 2nd Wednesday of 
the month. He focuses on estate planning, trusts, wills, probate, conservatorships and business law. 
*Appointments are a must! Please call: 626.355.7394 to make yours

Birthday Celebrations: The 2nd Thursday of the month the Senior Center celebrates the birthdays 
of our patrons at 12:30 pm. Please join us for free cake and ice cream and “celebration.” (The cakes 
are provided due to a generous donation from the Sierra Madre Civic Club.)

Game Day: Every Thursday at 1:00pm. Poker is usually the game of choice, or should I say chance? 
Board games and other card games are also available. 

Free Strength Training Class: Every Friday from 1:00 pm -1:45 pm Conducted by long-time 
volunteer, Lisa Brandley. The class utilizes light weights for low-impact resistance training. Weights 
are provided by the Sierra Madre Senior Center. 

Senior Citizens Club: Every Saturday at the Hart Park House (Senior Center). Brown bag lunch at 
11:30am; Club meeting at Noon; Bingo 12:30- 3:30 pm. Only .25c per card.

LUNCH & LEARN: THE KENSINGTON - SIERRA MADRE

Wednesday, June 25th • 12:00 to 1:00 pm

 The Kensington, the Senior Center’s soon to be across the street neighbor, is scheduled to open 
in November 2014 and is designed to be a home for seniors who need assisted living and memory 
care services. Hear from Brandy Valencia, Executive Director of The Kensington, about the type 
of services they will offer, the design and layout of the building, and their involvement in the 
community.

UPCOMING EXCURSIONS: 

Aquarium of the Pacific (Long Beach, CA)

 Date: Friday, June 20, 2014 Time: 9:00am to 3:00pm


Meeting Location: Hart Park House Senior Center Cost: $25.00 (does not include lunch)
The Aquarium features a collection of over 11,000 animals representing over 500 different species 
in exhibits ranging in size and capacity from about 5,000 to 350,000 gallons. Exhibits introduce 
the inhabitants and seascapes of the Pacific, while also focusing on specific conservation messages 
associated with each region. The Pacific Ocean is the focus of three major permanent galleries, sunny 
Southern California and Baja, the frigid waters of the Northern Pacific and the colorful reefs of the 
Tropical Pacific. You will be given a daily schedule of the shows included in the price of admission 
some of which are the care and feeding of sea otters, seals and sea lions, and sharks, the tropical 
reef dive in which divers speak from inside the 350,000 gallon tropical reef tank, and a penguins 
multimedia show. Participants are asked to bring additional money for souvenirs and lunch; there 
are a variety of restaurants nearby. Last day to register is Thursday, June 12, 2014. Level of Walking: 
Moderate


GREAT EXPECTATIONS!

 My family and I were celebrating Father’s Day at a restaurant last week. The 
meal included a lot of shellfish, and, therefore, the crack, snapple, and pop of 
claws, legs, and all the joints in between. Needless to say, we covered the table, and 
ourselves, with bits of shell and sweet, sticky sauce. As the waiter cleared the table, 
he passed out little individually wrapped towelettes. After I wiped the grease off my 
fingers, I noticed that the towelette package was labeled “Majestic Wet Napkin Inc. 
California”! (Exclamation mark added).

 That could be seen as braggadocio. “Those cocky napkin makers are putting on airs!” Or, it could 
indicate that the people at the napkin factory really take pride in their work! I tend to lean toward the 
latter interpretation. Maybe the napkin P.R. department thought that the “Majestic” title would make 
the people who use them feel more special. “Hey, I’m not just wiping my greasy hands with any old 
towelette; this one is Majestic!” I’m certain no one else in the restaurant was pondering the towelette 
packaging that deeply, but it made it more meaningful for me.

 Sometimes people’s good intentions get lost in translation when naming their businesses. “Chaste 
Auto” in Monterey Park was most likely influenced by companies such as “Fidelity Cleaners”. I 
imagine customers thinking “Ah, my car won’t be ‘fooling around’ while it’s away from me.” Although 
that probably wasn’t the mental image the business was shooting for, you know what they meant.

 I was also reminded of an interesting 
article in the devotional, “Our Daily Bread.” 
I don’t recall the specifics (or how it related to 
spiritual matters), but it referenced a contest 
in which people came up with grandiose-
sounding titles for their jobs. The occupation 
of “Underwater Ceramic Professional” a.k.a 
“dishwasher” won an award. I came up with 
the title, “Compartmentalization Efficiency 
Analyst” for my first job as a bagger at 
Albertson’s. 

 As with the majestic towelettes, I found 
the concept behind this contest intriguing. 
While we shouldn’t be arrogant about our 
occupations, it’s important that we see the 
importance of doing our best wherever 
God has placed us. An encouraging verse 
is Colossians 3: 23-24, “And whatever you 
do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to 
men, knowing that from the Lord you will 
receive the reward of the inheritance; for 
you serve the Lord Christ.” That is especially 
helpful when your boss is not the easiest person to get along with. (I’m so thankful I have the boss 
that I do!) Even more important is to respect those whose jobs are generally not held in high esteem. 
While our greed-driven culture values image over substance, it is important keep eternity in mind, 
because “there is no partiality with God.” (Romans 2:11)


TECH TALK: TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANCE 

Mondays, June 9 and June 23 from 2:00 to 3:00 PM Tech-savvy youth from Sierra 
Madre Middle School will provide assistance with the operation of cell phones, 
tablets, and computers. Participants should bring the device with which they need 
assistance; computers are available at the Senior Center for general instruction. 
The class is free of charge, but registration is required. To register, or for questions 
regarding the program call 355-7394

We’d like to hear from you! 

What’s on YOUR Mind?

Contact us at: editor@mtnviewsnews.com or www.facebook.com/
mountainviewsnews AND Twitter: #mtnviewsnews

SENIORS ROCK! Concert in the Park

Sunday, June 22, 2014 6:00-8:00pm Memorial Park 

Listen to the big bang sounds of Rex Merriweather & This Ain’t Your Daddy’s Big Band on 
Sunday, June 22nd from 6:00-8:00pm at the Memorial Park Bandshell, 222 W. Sierra Madre 
Blvd. Music includes tunes from the 40s, swing, and theme songs from classic TV shows 
and radio.

The concert is sponsored by the Senior Community Commission who will be giving away 
FREE popsicles while supplies last. Also for sale are “Sierra Madre Seniors Rock!” T-shirts, 
proceeds from the t-shirts support senior programs and services. Seating is on the green 
so remember to bring blankets and lawn chairs. For additional information please call the 
Community Services Department at 626-355-5278.


Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com