As open enrollment approaches, it’s crucial to stay vigilant against scams targeting consumers. Always verify the legitimacy of any offers or communications regarding health plans. Protect yourself by doing your research and never sharing personal information with unknown sources. Oh, and did anyone really ever send their kids in the mail?
-The Editors

🏥Medicare Watch:

Silent Thieves: How Medicare Scams Are Draining Your Benefits

A few months ago, Evelyn Akerson, a 72-year-old woman from Des Moines, Iowa, received a call from a man claiming to be from Medicare. He told her that her Medicare plan was about to expire and that she needed to confirm her Medicare number to keep receiving benefits. The caller was friendly and professional, reassuring her that the update was quick and easy.

Mrs. Akerson, concerned about losing her coverage, provided her Medicare number. Days later, she noticed strange charges on her Medicare summary, including bills for medical equipment she never received. It turned out that the scammer had used her information to submit fraudulent claims, costing her hours of stress and phone calls to Medicare to resolve the situation.

Thankfully, Mrs. Akerson was able to report the fraud quickly, but the experience left her shaken and determined to warn others.

What is a Medicare Scam Call?

A Medicare scam call is a form of identity theft where scammers aim to steal your Medicare number. Once they have it, they can use it to commit Medicare fraud, such as billing Medicare for services you didn’t receive, or worse, selling your information on the black market.

These scammers often pose as Medicare representatives, offering benefits, threatening to cancel services, or asking for personal information like your Social Security number or bank details.

Warning Signs of a Medicare Scam Call

While scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, there are some common signs to watch out for:

• Pressure to switch plans: Scammers may pressure you to switch your Medicare plan by offering "better" benefits.

• Promises of free services or equipment: They may offer free medical products or services in exchange for your Medicare number.

• Threats of Medicare cancellation: They may claim that your Medicare coverage will end if you don’t provide personal information.

• Requests for personal information: If a caller asks for your Medicare number, Social Security number, or banking information, it’s a major red flag.

A real Medicare representative will never call out of the blue asking for personal details or threatening to cut off your benefits.

Protecting Against Medicare Scam Calls

Here’s how to stay safe:

• Don’t share personal information: Never give out your Medicare number, Social Security number, or any personal details over the phone unless you’ve initiated the call.

• Hang up: If you receive a suspicious call, hang up immediately. Don’t engage or answer any questions.

• Call Medicare directly: If you’re unsure whether a call is legitimate, hang up and call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE.

• Avoid giving Medicare information at seminars: Medicare representatives don’t conduct business at group events like seminars.

Read more here.

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🎲Game Time

In this game, we’ll present you with four statements—three of which are true and one- well, not so true. Your challenge is to spot the lie! If you guess correct, you will make it to the Over64.com hall of fame.

• A cat served as mayor of a town in Alaska for 20 years.

• The Turritopsis dohrnii is a jellyfish that can theoretically live forever by reverting to its juvenile form.

• North Korea once outlawed the color orange because it was associated with the South Korean political party.

• In the early 1900’s, people used to send their children via mail in the U.S.

📚Study of the week:

Discovering the Secrets of Longevity: The Blue Zones Approach

What if you could live a longer, healthier life by simply tweaking your daily habits? Surprisingly, it's not all about genetics. In fact, only about 20% of how long we live is determined by our genes—the other 80% comes from our lifestyle and environment. This fascinating idea comes from a study of five regions, or "blue zones," where people are living extraordinarily long, vibrant lives. Let’s dive into these longevity hotspots and what they’re doing right!

What are the Blue Zones?

Blue Zones are regions where people consistently live longer and healthier lives than the global average. Some known Blue zones include:

• Ikaria, Greece: Known for the Mediterranean diet (yum!), people here live on average seven years longer than the rest of us.

• Loma Linda, California: A community of Seventh-day Adventists, where clean living and plant-based diets contribute to long lives.

• Nicoya, Costa Rica: Their secret? A sense of purpose, beans, and strong family ties.

• Okinawa, Japan: Home to the world’s oldest women, they embrace daily movement, friendship, and a plant-based diet.

• Sardinia, Italy: Sardinians enjoy strong family bonds, a diet rich in whole grains, and a daily glass of red wine (cheers!).

Nine Secrets to Living Longer

After studying these regions, Dan Buettner, founder of the Blue Zones® concept, uncovered nine common traits that promote longevity across all five blue zones. He called these the Power 9 principles. And guess what? None of them involve joining a gym or buying a bunch of supplements! Here’s a snapshot:

1. Move Naturally: Forget the gym! People in blue zones are always in motion—gardening, walking, or just staying active throughout the day.

2. Purpose: Knowing your "why" can add up to seven years to your life! In blue zones, people have a reason to get up every morning.

3. Downshift: Stress is inevitable, but people in blue zones have daily rituals to de-stress. Whether it's praying, meditating, or taking naps, they find ways to relax.

4. 80% Rule: Stop eating when you’re 80% full! This mindful eating habit keeps calories in check.

5. Plant Slant: Meat is a rare treat. Instead, people here focus on a plant-heavy diet rich in beans and whole grains.

6. Wine at 5: Wine lovers, rejoice! A glass or two a day (with friends or food) is part of the routine.

7. Belong: Being part of a faith-based community can add years to your life. In fact, people who attend services regularly live longer!

8. Loved Ones First: Centenarians in blue zones put family first. They invest time and energy in relationships with loved ones.

9. Right Tribe: Your friends shape your health. The longest-living people surround themselves with others who reinforce healthy behaviors.

Can We All Live Like We’re in a Blue Zone?

Here’s the big question: Can you bring a little bit of that blue zone magic into your life? Absolutely! Even cities in the U.S. are getting in on the action. Take Albert Lea, Minnesota, for example. By connecting sidewalks to encourage walking, adding community gardens, and changing menus at local restaurants to make healthy choices easier, this small town transformed. They even saw a drop in healthcare costs and an increase in life expectancy—just by making it easier for everyone to live like they’re in a blue zone.

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