when should you call acentra health?

• If you are not ready to be discharged from the hospital.
• If your Medicare skilled services are ending too soon. Examples of skilled services include things like physical therapy and nursing services.
• If you have a concern about the quality of care you received.
• If you have a concern about your medical care that needs to be taken care of right away.

Click on the button below for the phone number for your state. These services are free for people who have Medicare. 

Telephone Numbers

august is national immunization awareness month

Vaccines aren’t just for kids. As we get older, staying up to date about immunizations helps protect us from serious illnesses like the flu, pneumonia, and shingles.

August is National Immunization Awareness Month, which is a great time to think about the vaccines you need. Make it a point to talk with your doctor about vaccine recommendations. Many vaccines are covered by Medicare, often at no cost to you.

Learn More About Immunizations:

• Medicare vaccine coverage
• CDC’s vaccine guide for adults

Know Your Medicare Rights

You have the right to ask questions and get clear answers about your care, including vaccinations. That means:

• You can ask why a vaccine is recommended.
• You can ask whether it’s covered by Medicare.
• You have the right to say no or get a second opinion if you're unsure.

Your healthcare decisions are yours. If you ever feel pressured or confused, speak up!

now that you have your medicare card, keep it safe

Getting your red, white, and blue Medicare card in the mail is a big moment! It means your coverage is starting soon or has already begun. But now that you have it, there’s one important thing to do: protect it.

Your Medicare number is unique to you, and scammers want it. Here’s how to keep it safe and avoid common traps.

watch out for these real scams

“You’re eligible for a free back brace.”
A caller says Medicare will cover a free brace and asks for your Medicare number.

Fact: This is a well-known durable medical equipment (DME) scam.

Learn more from the US Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General: Fraud Alert: Nationwide Brace Scam.

“We need to replace your Medicare card.”
Someone calls claiming your card has expired or needs verification.

Fact: Medicare will not call you unexpectedly to update your card or request personal information.

See this warning from Senior Medicare Patrol: Medicare Card Scams.

“This is Medicare. We just need to confirm your information.”
Someone calls pretending to be from Medicare, Social Security, or another government agency. They may sound official and even use your name or address.

Fact: Real government agencies like Medicare will never call you unexpectedly to ask for personal information, demand payment, or pressure you to act fast.

See this warning from the Federal Trade Commission: How to Avoid a Government Impersonation Scam.

Don’t:

• Don’t give your Medicare number over the phone unless you placed the call.
• Don’t email or post photos of your card online.
• Don't respond to text messages that seem to be from Medicare. Medicare will not send you a "text" indicating that additional information is needed.

don't keep this a secret

Share this newsletter with friends who have Medicare by sharing this link: www.acentraqio.com/ohf/August2025

medicare sign-up made simple: watch dr. oz and get started

signing up for medicare

Dr. Mehmet Oz just turned 65, and like millions of Americans, it was time to sign up for Medicare.

You might know Dr. Oz from television, but did you know that he’s also the Director of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal agency that runs Medicare?

As part of his role, to help others prepare for Medicare, Dr. Oz filmed a short video series about signing up. You may find these videos helpful if you’re turning 65 soon, helping a friend or family member, or simply want to understand your options better. Watching them can be a great step on the road to learning how to sign up for Medicare the right way.

Watch the videos here: go.cms.gov/DrOzTurns65

getting your medicare questions answered

Before you sign up, take the time to think about what you need for healthcare coverage. As we are all in different situations, what you need may be different from what someone else needs.

For example, you may be managing a chronic condition, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, or you could be taking (different) prescription medications.

The Medicare website has lots of good information to get you started. Go to www.medicare.gov and click on the big green button that says Get Started with Medicare. You’ll be directed to a page where you’ll see basic information and your next steps.

If you still have questions, you can call your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (also referred to as SHIP) for free, unbiased help.

SHIP counselors offer free, one-on-one help with:

• Signing up for Medicare
• Understanding your coverage options
• Comparing Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare
• Avoiding scams or being pressured into a plan you don’t want

Call SHIP at: 1-877-839-2675 or find your state’s SHIP online at: www.shiphelp.org

It is important to know that SHIPs are not insurance companies. They don’t sell anything and won’t steer you toward any specific plan. Their only job is to help you understand your options and choose what works best for your needs.

Know someone who's about to turn 65?

Send them this website link: www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/medicare-basics/working-past-65. It’s a quick, helpful resource, and they’ll be glad you thought of them!

part-time, remote, or retired? how people are redefining work after 65

Have you noticed that retirement today looks different for everyone?  

Many people turning 65 aren't stepping away from work. Instead, they're changing how they work. 

why continue working?

Some people continue working after 65 to earn extra income for travel, savings, or peace of mind. Others enjoy the sense of purpose it brings and the chance to stay sharp. For many, work offers routine and meaningful social connections. And for some, it’s a chance to reinvent themselves or finally explore a long-held passion.

Sometimes people aren’t ready to stop working, but they want more control over their time or don’t want to go into an office every day.

explore new ways to work

There are more ways to work after 65 than ever before! Some people do consulting or freelance work. They use the skills they’ve built over the years while enjoying more flexibility and control over their work schedules.

Others look for remote or hybrid jobs that offer flexibility. This opens opportunities to work from almost anywhere!

Why not try something completely new, rewarding, and hands on?

• Lead tours at a museum
• Help organize community events
• Mentor students at a local school
• Work at a plant nursery
• Run programs at a senior center
• Assist with behind-the-scenes work at a community theater

Some people find part-time jobs managing volunteers, coordinating exhibits at a historic site, or teaching beginner classes at a library or community college. These jobs offer you a chance to share your skills, stay engaged, and make a difference.

Seasonal and short-term jobs are also a good fit for many. These might include:

• Helping during tax season
• Staffing polling places during elections
• Working as a campground host

Many people also choose to volunteer their time in meaningful ways. Opportunities in hospitals, food banks, or community programs can provide purpose, social connection, and flexibility.

Whether you’re working for extra income, to stay engaged, or to give back, this stage of life is a chance to shape work in a way that fits your goals.

Publication No. R146810-162-8/2025. This material was prepared by Acentra Health, a Medicare Quality Improvement Organization under contract with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The contents presented do not necessarily reflect CMS policy.