Aging Health Matters

As a contractor for Medicare, Kepro serves as the Beneficiary and Family Centered Care Quality Improvement Organization, also referred to as a BFCC-QIO. While Kepro provides BFCC-QIO services in 29 states, the general information is relevant to everyone who has Medicare (including Medicare Advantage) and everyone who works with people who have Medicare. This episode is a conversation with our guest, Amy Hagel, SHINE Liaison & Volunteer Manager at Senior Connection Center. Amy is pursuing a Master's Degree in Public Administration and a graduate certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of South Florida. With over five years of experience at the Senior Connection Center, Amy is a dedicated professional driven by a desire to empower seniors through education and resources. She wears multiple hats as the SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Program Liaison and Volunteer Manager. Amy ensures the smooth operation of the agency's SHINE program, manages volunteers, and serves as the agency liaison for the program.  In this podcast, Ms. Hagel will share information about the groups that make up the Hispanic population, health risks in that population, and ways to improve health outcomes. For more information about Kepro BFCC-QIO, please visit www.keproqio.com.KEY TOPICS00:29: Overview, introduction of guest, Amy Hagel02:13: Definition of the Hispanic population03:41: Health risks in the Hispanic population05:20: Ways to improve health outcomes06:29: Information about SHINE in Florida07:14: Final thoughts SUBSCRIBESubscribe to our newsletters: Case Review Connections, On the Healthcare Front RESOURCESBFCC-QIO Information for stakeholders: www.keproqio.com/partnersBFCC-QIO Information for people who have Medicare: www.keproqio.com/beneFlorida SHINE (SHIP): www.floridashine.org/SHIPs in other states: www.shiphelp.org/ Music: Motivational Upbeat Corporate by RinkevichMusic https://soundcloud.com/rinkevichmusichttps://protunes.net/Video Link: https://bit.ly/3NNqGTs

As a contractor for Medicare, Kepro serves as the Beneficiary and Family Centered Care Quality Improvement Organization, also referred to as a BFCC-QIO. While Kepro provides BFCC-QIO services in 29 states, the general information is relevant to everyone who has Medicare (including Medicare Advantage) and everyone who works with people who have Medicare. This episode is a conversation with our guest, Sara Eve Schaeffer, MBA, MA, RD, Director. She works with Health Services Advisory Group (HSAG) in their ESRD National Coordinating Center (NCC).With 15+ years of experience in kidney care, Sara Eve Schaeffer has worked across the spectrum of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). She has led national ESRD projects for the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) kidney-focused contracts. Sara Eve is also a seasoned strategic operations expert, having served as Vice President of Strategic Operations at a kidney-focused population health company. She serves on the Board of Directors for the American Association of Kidney Patients. She maintains her registered dietitian credentials and holds a Master of Arts degree in Nutrition Education from Immaculata University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Temple University.In this podcast, Ms. Schaeffer will share information about end-stage renal disease and how it is diagnosed. She will also explain why Medicare focuses on ESRD. She will provide information on the ESRD Network as well as other Medicare contractors that work with ESRD.For more information about Kepro BFCC-QIO, please visit www.keproqio.com.KEY TOPICS00:29: Overview, introduction of guest, Sara Eve Schaeffer, MBA, MA, RD 02:03: What is end-stage renal disease (ESRD)? 03:24: Diagnosing ESRD 04:12: Why is Medicare focused on ESRD? 06:25: What is the ESRD Network?10:05: What is an ESRD NCC?12:25: What is KCER?14:36: Final thoughtsSUBSCRIBESubscribe to our newsletters: Case Review Connections, On the Healthcare FrontRESOURCESBFCC-QIO Information for stakeholders: www.keproqio.com/partnersBFCC-QIO Information for people who have Medicare: www.keproqio.com/beneKidney health resources:ESRD Networks: https://www.cms.gov/training-education/open-door-forums/end-stage-renal-disease-clinical-laboratories-esrd/networkESRD NCC: https://esrdncc.org/en/Music: Motivational Upbeat Corporate by RinkevichMusic https://soundcloud.com/rinkevichmusichttps://protunes.net/Video Link: https://bit.ly/3NNqGTs

SUMMARY As a contractor for Medicare, Kepro serves as the Beneficiary and Family Centered Care Quality Improvement Organization, also referred to as a BFCC-QIO. While Kepro provides BFCC-QIO services in 29 states, the general information is relevant to everyone who has Medicare (including Medicare Advantage) and everyone who works with people who have Medicare. This episode is a conversation with our guest, Jessica Whitley, MD, MBA, Chief Medical Officer for Kepro.In this podcast, Dr. Whitley will share information about things you can do to help prevent heart disease. She shares about lifestyle changes and ways you can monitor the risks that you have.For more information about Kepro BFCC-QIO, please visit www.keproqio.com.KEY TOPICS00:29: Overview of second podcast – heart disease prevention05:39: Lifestyle and genetic factors12:46: Blood pressure monitoring16:17: Cholesterol monitoring17:37: Blood sugar monitoring20:44: Final thoughts SUBSCRIBESubscribe to our newsletters: Case Review Connections, On the Healthcare FrontRESOURCESBFCC-QIO Information for stakeholders: www.keproqio.com/partnersBFCC-QIO Information for people who have Medicare: www.keproqio.com/beneResources for heart disease: www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/prevention.htmwww.heart.orgMusic: Motivational Upbeat Corporate by RinkevichMusic soundcloud.com/rinkevichmusicprotunes.net/Video Link: youtube.com/watch?v=ZZH_Dd237EQ

SUMMARY As a contractor for Medicare, Kepro serves as the Beneficiary and Family Centered Care Quality Improvement Organization, also referred to as a BFCC-QIO. While Kepro provides BFCC-QIO services in 29 states, the general information is relevant to everyone who has Medicare (including Medicare Advantage) and everyone who works with people who have Medicare. This episode is a conversation with our guest, Jessica Whitley, MD, MBA, Chief Medical Officer for Kepro.In this podcast, Dr. Whitley will share information about different types of heart disease and symptoms of the different types. For more information about Kepro BFCC-QIO, please visit www.keproqio.com.KEY TOPICS00:29: Overview, introduction of guest, Jessica Whitley, MD, MBA 04:01: General information about the heart 08:02: Heart attack information15:08: Atrial fibrillation information 17:38: Congenital heart defect information19:10: Cardiomyopathy information21:03: Heart valve disease information 23:20: Final thoughtsSUBSCRIBESubscribe to our newsletters: Case Review Connections, On the Healthcare FrontRESOURCESBFCC-QIO Information for stakeholders: www.keproqio.com/partnersBFCC-QIO Information for people who have Medicare: www.keproqio.com/beneResources for heart disease: https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/prevention.htmhttps://www.heart.org Music: Motivational Upbeat Corporate by RinkevichMusichttps://soundcloud.com/rinkevichmusic Video Link: https://youtu.be/U78mgVaM12M

SUMMARY As a contractor for Medicare, Kepro serves as the Beneficiary and Family Centered Care Quality Improvement Organization, also referred to as a BFCC-QIO. While Kepro provides BFCC-QIO services in 29 states, the general information is relevant to everyone who has Medicare (including Medicare Advantage) and everyone who works with people who have Medicare. This episode is a conversation with our guest, Swati Guar, Medical Director for Alliant Health Solutions QIN-QIO.Swati Gaur, MD, MBA, CMD, AGSF, is the Chief Medical Officer for Senior Care Office and Chief Executive Officer for Care Advances Thru Technology, advancing innovations in geriatric care. She is medical director for post-acute care at Northeast Georgia Health System. She is also a medical director for Alliant Health Solutions, a CMS Quality Improvement Organization. She is a member of Georgia Strike and Support Team with Georgia Department of Public Health and University of Georgia. She is medical director with Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in long term care. She is a clinical assistant professor for Geriatrics at the Augusta University, where she enjoys teaching the principles and art of geriatrics to medical students, internal, and family medicine residents. In this podcast, Dr. Gaur will share information about fall prevention. She will share information on why fall prevention is important, common causes of falls, and tips for minimizing fall risk.For more information about Kepro BFCC-QIO, please visit www.keproqio.com.KEY TOPICS00:29: Overview, introduction of guest, Swati Guar, MD, MBA, CMD, AGSF 02:13: Why fall prevention is important 04:00: Common causes of falls 08:28: Tips for minimizing fall risk 14:55: Final thoughtsSUBSCRIBESubscribe to our newsletters: Case Review Connections, On the Healthcare Front RESOURCESBFCC-QIO Information for stakeholders: www.keproqio.com/partnersBFCC-QIO Information for people who have Medicare: www.keproqio.com/bene Music: Motivational Upbeat Corporate by RinkevichMusichttps://soundcloud.com/rinkevichmusic Video Link: https://youtu.be/U78mgVaM12M

SUMMARY As a contractor for Medicare, Kepro serves as the Beneficiary and Family Centered Care Quality Improvement Organization, also referred to as a BFCC-QIO. While Kepro provides BFCC-QIO services in 29 states, the general information is relevant to everyone who has Medicare (including Medicare Advantage) and everyone who works with people who have Medicare. This episode is a conversation with our guest, Talena Ford, Programs Supervisor at the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. Talena Ford has built a career in nonprofit work, helping people access support and resources. She holds a Master's degree in Administrative Leadership from the University of Oklahoma and serves as a Programs Supervisor at the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. In this role, she manages grants that provide support for individuals with special needs and their family caregivers, focusing on home and community-based resources. Talena is committed to finding innovative ways to support family caregivers in Oklahoma. In this podcast, Ms. Ford will share information about caregiving. She will share information on caregiving resources, respite, and ways to improve as a caregiver.For more information about Kepro BFCC-QIO, please visit www.keproqio.com.KEY TOPICS00:29: Overview, introduction of guest, Talena Ford 03:13: Information about caregiving resources 05:00: What is respite? 08:47: Ways to improve as a caregiver 13:23: Final thoughtsSUBSCRIBESubscribe to our newsletters: Case Review Connections, On the Healthcare Front RESOURCESBFCC-QIO Information for stakeholders: www.keproqio.com/partnersBFCC-QIO Information for people who have Medicare: www.keproqio.com/beneOklahoma caregiving information: https://okcares.orgAAA information: https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/About/Aging_Network/AAA.aspx Music: Motivational Upbeat Corporate by RinkevichMusichttps://soundcloud.com/rinkevichmusic Video Link: https://youtu.be/U78mgVaM12M

SUMMARY As a contractor for Medicare, Kepro serves as the Beneficiary and Family Centered Care Quality Improvement Organization, also referred to as a BFCC-QIO. While Kepro provides BFCC-QIO services in 29 states, the general information is relevant to everyone who has Medicare (including Medicare Advantage) and everyone who works with people who have Medicare. This episode is a conversation with our guest, Dr. Jessica Whitley, Chief Medical Officer from Kepro.In this podcast, Dr. Whitley will share information about health literacy. She will give some tips on how to gather health information as well as sharing about disease prevention. There is also a summary of her advice: obtain, communicate, process, understand, and use with regard to health information.For more information about Kepro BFCC-QIO, please visit www.keproqio.com.KEY TOPICS00:29: Overview, introduction of guest, Dr. Jessica Whitley 02:22: What is health literacy? 05:23: How to gather health information 17:07: Summarizing Dr. Whitley’s advice 19:28: Prevention 25:55: Final thoughtsSUBSCRIBESubscribe to our newsletters: Case Review Connections, On the Healthcare FrontRESOURCESBFCC-QIO Information for stakeholders: www.keproqio.com/partnersBFCC-QIO Information for people who have Medicare: www.keproqio.com/beneLinks Dr. Whitley noted:Health literacy tools from the University of Maryland: www.guides.hshsl.umaryland.eduQuestions to ask your doctor and other tools to help you to be more involved with your care:www.ahrq.gov/patients-consumers/patient-involvementMusic: Motivational Upbeat Corporate by RinkevichMusichttps://soundcloud.com/rinkevichmusic Video Link: https://youtu.be/U78mgVaM12M

SUMMARY As a contractor for Medicare, Kepro serves as the Beneficiary and Family Centered Care Quality Improvement Organization, also referred to as a BFCC-QIO. While Kepro provides BFCC-QIO services in 29 states, the general information is relevant to everyone who has Medicare (including Medicare Advantage) and everyone who works with people who have Medicare. This episode is a conversation with our guest, Crystal Strong, from the South Carolina Department on Aging.Crystal is the Program Director for the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) program, and the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program within the South Carolina Department on Aging (SCDOA). She provides oversight and direction to the state grantees to support their work assisting Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers through outreach, counseling, and education. In this role, she is also responsible for the education and certification of the counselors/volunteers statewide In this podcast, Crystal will share information about how the SHIP program can help Medicare beneficiaries with their Open Enrollment choices. Medicare has many options that can be confusing, so this podcast helps provide Medicare beneficiaries with where they can go to get assistance while making these choices.For more information about Kepro BFCC-QIO, please visit www.keproqio.com. KEY TOPICS 00:29: Overview, introduction of guest, Crystal Strong 02:38: Introduction of SHIPs 03:24: What is Open Enrollment?04:20: How do SHIPs help with Open Enrollment?06:15: Tips for Open Enrollment07:38: Final thoughtsSUBSCRIBESubscribe to our newsletters: Case Review Connections, On the Healthcare FrontRESOURCES BFCC-QIO Information for stakeholders: www.keproqio.com/partners BFCC-QIO Information for people who have Medicare: www.keproqio.com/bene SHIP information: www.shiphelp.orgMusic: Motivational Upbeat Corporate by RinkevichMusichttps://soundcloud.com/rinkevichmusic Video Link: https://youtu.be/U78mgVaM12M

SUMMARY As a contractor for Medicare, Kepro serves as the Beneficiary and Family Centered Care Quality Improvement Organization, also referred to as a BFCC-QIO. While Kepro provides BFCC-QIO services in 29 states, the general information is relevant to everyone who has Medicare (including Medicare Advantage) and everyone who works with people who have Medicare. This episode is a conversation with our guest, Crystal Strong, from the South Carolina Department on Aging.Crystal is the Program Director for the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) program, and the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program within the South Carolina Department on Aging (SCDOA). She provides oversight and direction to the state grantees to support their work assisting Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers through outreach, counseling, and education. In this role, she is also responsible for the education and certification of the counselors/volunteers statewide. Crystal actively supports the program networks by providing training and technical assistance whenever possible. Prior to this position, Crystal has functioned in various roles and programs since 2000 when her tenure at SCDOA began. Crystal holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from South Carolina State University.  For more information about Kepro BFCC-QIO, please visit www.keproqio.com.Medicare Open Enrollment 2023 - October 15 - December 7 KEY TOPICS 00:29: Overview, introduction of guest, Crystal Strong 02:40: Introduction of Medicare Advantage 03:55: Medigap and Medicare Advantage04:35: Disadvantages of Medicare Advantage plans06:15: Types of Medicare Advantage plans08:35: Open Enrollment10:10: Final thoughtsSUBSCRIBESubscribe to our newsletters: Case Review Connections, On the Healthcare FrontRESOURCES BFCC-QIO Information for stakeholders: www.keproqio.com/partners BFCC-QIO Information for people who have Medicare: www.keproqio.com/bene SHIP information: www.shiphelp.orgMusic: Motivational Upbeat Corporate by RinkevichMusichttps://soundcloud.com/rinkevichmusic Video Link: https://youtu.be/U78mgVaM12M

SUMMARY As a contractor for Medicare, Kepro serves as the Beneficiary and Family Centered Care Quality Improvement Organization, also referred to as a BFCC-QIO. While Kepro provides BFCC-QIO services in 29 states, the general information is relevant to everyone who has Medicare (including Medicare Advantage) and everyone who works with people who have Medicare. This episode is a conversation with our guest from the Oklahoma Department of Insurance. He will talk about Medigap policies.Ray Walker is the Divisional Director for the Medicare Assistance Program at the Oklahoma Insurance Department.  Mr. Walker has a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication from the University of Oklahoma and over 20 years experience working in and around the healthcare industry, primarily in the field of insurance.  Mr. Walker has had the privilege of speaking to groups across the state and around the country on topics ranging from genetics to team building to Medicare. Mr. Walker currently serves on the Advisory Committee to the State Council on Aging and recently completed his second term on the SHIP Steering Committee (State Health Insurance Assistance Program), where he served as the vice chairperson. He also serves on the Leadership Council for the MIPPA Grant Program.  For more information about Kepro BFCC-QIO, please visit www.keproqio.com.Medicare Open Enrollment 2023 - October 15 - December 7 KEY TOPICS 00:29: Overview, introduction of guest, Ray Walker 03:09: Introduction of Medigap 05:24: Differences between Medigap and Medicare Advantage11:01: Differences between Medigap Plans and Medicare Parts17:11: Medigap and Medicare disability18:13: Medicare supplement guide19:57: Final thoughtsSUBSCRIBESubscribe to our newsletters: Case Review Connections, On the Healthcare FrontRESOURCES BFCC-QIO Information for stakeholders: www.keproqio.com/partners BFCC-QIO Information for people who have Medicare: www.keproqio.com/beneSHIP information: www.shiphelp.orgSupplement policy guide: www.oid.ok.govMusic: Motivational Upbeat Corporate by RinkevichMusichttps://soundcloud.com/rinkevichmusic Video Link: https://youtu.be/U78mgVaM12M

As a contractor for Medicare, Kepro serves as the Beneficiary and Family Centered Care Quality Improvement Organization, also referred to as a BFCC-QIO. While Kepro provides BFCC-QIO services in 29 states, the general information is relevant to everyone who has Medicare (including Medicare Advantage) and everyone who works with people who have Medicare. This episode is a conversation with our guests from the Quality Innovation Network Quality Improvement Organizations (QIN-QIOs). They will talk about how their organizations work with Kepro, the BFCC-QIO.Gina Anderson RN, BSN, is a Senior Quality Improvement Facilitator at Telligen. She has worked in and supported nursing homes in a variety of roles for over 25 years including as a Director of Nursing, MDS coordinator, and a nurse consultant. In her current role, she supports healthcare providers across the Telligen region with quality improvement efforts through enhanced assistance, education, and resources. Gina has a strong compassion for building relationships with providers to improve the lives of Medicare beneficiaries.As a Healthcare Quality Improvement Specialist at TMF Health Quality Institute for over 20 years, Melody Malone is responsible for Nursing Home Quality Improvement for multiple states, but most recently for both Nebraska and Texas. She also works on the CMS Quality Improvement Initiative (QII) with a variety of healthcare providers. In addition, she works on a special project via a HRSA Grant with the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth. For more information about Kepro BFCC-QIO, please visit www.keproqio.com. KEY TOPICS 00:30: Overview, introduction of guests, Gina Anderson and Melody Malone 03:47: Introduction of the QIN-QIO 05:37: Examples of what the QIN-QIO does 10:50: The BFCC referral process 15:20: Examples of a BFCC referral21:05: Final thoughts SUBSCRIBESubscribe to our newsletters: Case Review Connections, On the Healthcare FrontRESOURCES BFCC-QIO Information for stakeholders: www.keproqio.com/partners BFCC-QIO Information for people who have Medicare: www.keproqio.com/bene QIN information: www.qioprogram.org  Music: Motivational Upbeat Corporate by RinkevichMusichttps://soundcloud.com/rinkevichmusic Video Link: https://youtu.be/U78mgVaM12M

As a contractor for Medicare, Kepro serves as the Beneficiary and Family Centered Care Quality Improvement Organization, also referred to as a BFCC-QIO. While Kepro provides BFCC-QIO services in 29 states, the general information is relevant to everyone who has Medicare (including Medicare Advantage) and everyone who works with people who have Medicare. This episode is a conversation with our guest from the Area Agency on Aging in Tennessee, Christin McWhorter. She will talk about the services that their organization offers for Medicare beneficiaries. Christin McWhorter is the Community Outreach Manager with the Southeast Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability. Christin has been employed with the Area Agency on Aging for over 16 years and has extensive experience working with older adults and caregivers. As community outreach manager, she collaborates with health organizations, community groups, businesses, and others to promote the agency’s programs and services. She is the manager for the Area Agency’s Community programs, which include Volunteer Assisted Transportation for Seniors, State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) – Medicare Counseling, health promotion programs, agency volunteer recruitment, and programming/development support for 12 area senior centers. Christin is a certified leader for several nationally recognized evidenced-based health promotion programs. She facilitates support groups for family caregivers and is a certified Medicare counselor. She is a member of the Mayor’s Council on Livability and Aging, the Chattanooga Regional Health Innovation Coalition, and the Regional Transportation Planning Organization’s Human Services Transportation Committee.  For more information about Kepro BFCC-QIO, please visit www.keproqio.com. KEY TOPICS 00:12: Overview, introduction of guest, Christin McWhorter 02:47: Introduction of the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) 07:42: Information about costs for services 08:33: How to contact the AAA 10:05: How AAAs work with other stakeholders11:08: Final thoughts from our guest SUBSCRIBESubscribe to our newsletters: Case Review Connections, On the Healthcare Front RESOURCES BFCC-QIO Information for stakeholders: www.keproqio.com/partners BFCC-QIO Information for people who have Medicare: www.keproqio.com/bene Area Agency on Aging Information: eldercare.acl.gov  Music: Motivational Upbeat Corporate by RinkevichMusichttps://soundcloud.com/rinkevichmusic Video Link: https://youtu.be/U78mgVaM12M

SUMMARY As a contractor for Medicare, Kepro serves as the Beneficiary and Family Centered Care Quality Improvement Organization, also referred to as a BFCC-QIO. While Kepro provides BFCC-QIO services in 29 states, the general information is relevant to everyone who has Medicare (including Medicare Advantage) and everyone who works with people who have Medicare. This episode is a conversation with our guest from Kepro. Dr. Jessica Whitley is the Chief Medical Officer for Kepro and works on the Beneficiary and Family Centered Care Quality Improvement Organization (BFCC-QIO) contract.For more information about Kepro BFCC-QIO, please visit www.keproqio.com. KEY TOPICS 00:29: Introduction of host and information about Kepro 01:05: Introduction of guest, Dr. Jessica Whitley04:05: Explanation of person and family engagement08:30: Ways people can engage in their health care18:45: How health literacy impacts health outcomesSUBSCRIBESubscribe to our newsletters, Case Review Connections, On the Healthcare Front: https://keproqio.com/newsletters.aspxRESOURCESInformation for stakeholders: https://keproqio.com/partners/Information for people who have Medicare: https://keproqio.com/bene/Music: Motivational Upbeat Corporate by RinkevichMusichttps://soundcloud.com/rinkevichmusic Video Link: 

SUMMARYAs a contractor for Medicare, Kepro serves as the Beneficiary and Family Centered Care Quality Improvement Organization, also referred to as a BFCC-QIO. While Kepro provides BFCC-QIO services in 29 states, the general information is relevant to everyone who has Medicare (including Medicare Advantage) and everyone who works with people who have Medicare. This episode is a conversation with our guest from the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP), Renee Labrie-Shanks. She will talk about how the SMP helps fight Medicare fraud and what Medicare beneficiaries can do to protect themselves.Renee Labrie-Shanks has been employed at Missoula Aging Services since 2001 and runs the statewide Montana SMP Program since 2006.  She has served on the Board of the Montana Gerontology Society, the State Health Insurance Assistance Program Advisory Council, the State Information & Assistance Planning Committee, the Chamber Health Committee, and currently serves on the AARP Executive Council. For more information about Kepro BFCC-QIO, please visit www.keproqio.com.KEY TOPICS01:13 Overview, introduction of guest, Renee Labrie-Shanks02:40: Introduction of the SMP program and how they help people with Medicare.04:12: Examples of when someone would contact the SMP program.06:40: What happens when fraud is found?10:09: Information about fraud from telemarketers.14:40: Additional information about SMP and Kepro.SUBSCRIBESubscribe to our newsletters: Case Review Connections, On the Healthcare Front: https://keproqio.com/newsletters.aspxRESOURCESInformation for stakeholders: www.keproqio.com/partnersInformation for people who have Medicare: https://keproqio.com/bene/Information about the SMP program: https://www.smpresource.org/Music: Motivational Upbeat Corporate by RinkevichMusichttps://soundcloud.com/rinkevichmusicVideo Link: https://youtu.be/U78mgVaM12M

SUMMARY As a contractor for Medicare, Kepro serves as the Beneficiary and Family Centered Care Quality Improvement Organization, also referred to as a BFCC-QIO. While Kepro provides BFCC-QIO services in 29 states, the general information is relevant to everyone who has Medicare (including Medicare Advantage) and everyone who works with people who have Medicare. This episode is a conversation with our guest from the Oklahoma Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Bill Whited. He will talk about the services that their organization offers for Medicare beneficiaries.Bill serves as the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman for the State of Oklahoma and is responsible for administering the Oklahoma’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman network and systems and legislative advocacy for Oklahoma’s long-term care residents. He has more than 25 years of experience in the development and delivery of aging, mental health, juvenile justice, and human services programs in Oklahoma. His background includes over two decades of service with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, including service as an Adult Protective Services investigator before becoming a Long-Term Care Ombudsman in 2003. For more information about Kepro BFCC-QIO, please visit www.keproqio.com.KEY TOPICS 01:37: Overview, introduction of guest, Bill Whited 03:17: Introduction of Long-Term Care (LTC) Ombudsman Program. 07:00: Examples of when someone would contact the LTC Ombudsman Program. 11:01: How volunteers help staff the LTC Ombudsman Program. 16:30: More information about accessing Kepro’s services and podcasts.SUBSCRIBESubscribe to our newsletters: Case Review Connections, On the Healthcare FrontRESOURCESBFCC-QIO Information for stakeholders: www.keproqio.com/partnersBFCC-QIO Information for people who have Medicare: www.keproqio.com/beneOklahoma Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program: https://oklahoma.gov/okdhs/services/cap/ombudsman.htmlFind the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program in your state: https://theconsumervoice.org/get_helpInformation about the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program: https://acl.gov/programs/Protecting-Rights-and-Preventing-Abuse/Long-term-Care-Ombudsman-ProgramMusic: Motivational Upbeat Corporate by RinkevichMusichttps://soundcloud.com/rinkevichmusic Video Link: https://youtu.be/U78mgVaM12M

SUMMARY As a contractor for Medicare, Kepro serves as the Beneficiary and Family Centered Care Quality Improvement Organization, also referred to as a BFCC-QIO. While Kepro provides BFCC-QIO services in 29 states, the general information is relevant to everyone who has Medicare (including Medicare Advantage) and everyone who works with people who have Medicare. This episode talks about how the appeals medical record review process works. We have two guests today, who work at Kepro, Dr. Jessica Whitley, who is the Chief Medical Officer, and Rose Hartnett, the Director of Operations in the appeals department.For more information about Kepro BFCC-QIO, please visit www.keproqio.com. KEY TOPICS 01:58: Overview, introduction. 02:30: What is a medical record review and how the process works. 06:35: How you can be more engaged in your health care. 12:30: Things peer reviewers are looking for when they make determinations. 18:40: Getting your questions answered. 19:10: How Immediate Advocacy can help you, if your appeal is denied.SUBSCRIBESubscribe to our newsletters: Case Review Connections, On the Healthcare FrontRESOURCESRead about appeals: https://keproqio.com/bene/appeal.aspxWatch a video about appeals: www.youtu.be/9q2TKqX0N6kImmediate Advocacy services: www.keproqio.com/ImmediateAdvocacyInformation for stakeholders: www.keproqio.com/partnersInformation for people who have Medicare: www.keproqio.com/bene  Music: Motivational Upbeat Corporate by RinkevichMusichttps://soundcloud.com/rinkevichmusic Video Link: https://youtu.be/U78mgVaM12M

SUMMARY As a contractor for Medicare, Kepro serves as the Beneficiary and Family Centered Care Quality Improvement Organization, also referred to as a BFCC-QIO. While Kepro provides BFCC-QIO services in 29 states, the general information is relevant to everyone who has Medicare (including Medicare Advantage) and everyone who works with people who have Medicare. This episode includes one of our partnering organizations, the State Health Insurance Assistance Program, also known as SHIP for short. We are happy to bring you a conversation between Kia Weaver, a member of Kepro’s Outreach team, and her guest from SHIP, Shirley Thomas. Shirley is a certified SHIP Medicare Counselor. She was originally a licensed Medical Social Worker, in the state of Ohio. She moved to Georgia in 2009, and in 2010 she started volunteering with The GeorgiaCares Program. She has been with the program for 12 years.For more information about Kepro BFCC-QIO, please visit www.keproqio.com. KEY TOPICS 01:58 Overview, introduction. 02:20: Introduction of guest, Shirley Thomas 03:00: How SHIP helps people who have Medicare 04:00: How to find your local SHIP 04:40: Review of Medicare summary notice and explanation of benefits 05:50: Helpful tips, how SHIPs work with other stakeholders 11:00: Working with the Senior Medicare Patrol (stakeholder) 13:35: Resources SUBSCRIBESubscribe to our newsletters: Case Review Connections, On the Healthcare FrontRESOURCESFind your local Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): https://www.shiphelp.org/Senior Medicare Patrol: https://www.smpresource.org/ KEPRO’S WEBSITEImmediate Advocacy services: www.keproqio.com/ImmediateAdvocacyInformation for stakeholders: www.keproqio.com/partnersInformation for people who have Medicare: www.keproqio.com/beneMusic: Motivational Upbeat Corporate by RinkevichMusichttps://soundcloud.com/rinkevichmusic Video Link: https://youtu.be/U78mgVaM12M

SUMMARY As a contractor for Medicare, Kepro serves as the Beneficiary and Family Centered Care Quality Improvement Organization, also referred to as a BFCC-QIO. While Kepro provides BFCC-QIO services in 29 states, the general information is relevant to everyone who has Medicare (including Medicare Advantage) and everyone who works with people who have Medicare. One of the topics that Kepro works with quite a bit and partner to provide information on is caregiving for those with Medicare. This podcast episode coincides with National Caregiver Month, and we are happy to bring you a conversation between Nancy Jobe, one of Kepro’s Outreach Specialists, and two of her partners who will serve as her guests. Nadine Walter from Oklahoma and Gabe Goeres from Montana are speaking about caregiving programs that are in their states and may be available for you as well.Gabe Goeres was born and raised in Montana. He has spent 12 years working with at-risk youth in the foster care system in Missoula, and five years managing group homes. In his role as care management program manager at Missoula Aging Services, he continues to serve his community.Nadine Walter began her career in the field of gerontology in 1990 at an Area Agency on Aging in Duncan, OK. She advanced to the state office, OKDHS Community Living, Aging and Protective Services, where she has monitored Area Agencies on Aging; served as the senior housing and legislative liaison; developed and interpreted policies and procedures; and developed the State Plan on Aging. Currently, Nadine oversees several federal and state funded grants that provide supports and resources to individuals with special needs and their family caregivers.For more information about Kepro BFCC-QIO, please visit www.keproqio.com. KEY TOPICS 01:30 Overview, introduction. 05:00: What is caregiving? 06:15: Who are caregivers? 08:40: Challenges of caregiving. 10:15: What does respite mean? Respite programs. 12:10: Memory loss programs. 18:30: Advice for caregivers. 21:45: Resources SUBSCRIBESubscribe to our newsletters: Case Review Connections, On the Healthcare FrontRESOURCESArea Agencies on Aging: https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Resources/Topic/Caregiver.aspxThe National Alliance for Caregiving: https://www.caregiving.org/Caregiver’s Conference: https://coalitionofcaring.org/KEPRO’S WEBSITEImmediate Advocacy services: www.keproqio.com/ImmediateAdvocacyInformation for stakeholders: www.keproqio.com/partnersInformation for people who have Medicare: www.keproqio.com/beneMusic: Motivational Upbeat Corporate by RinkevichMusichttps://soundcloud.com/rinkevichmusic Video Link: https://youtu.be/U78mgVaM12M

As a contractor for Medicare, Kepro serves as the Beneficiary and Family Centered Care Quality Improvement Organization, also referred to as a BFCC-QIO. While Kepro provides BFCC-QIO services in 29 states, the general information is relevant to everyone who has Medicare (including Medicare Advantage) and everyone who works with people who have Medicare. This episode is about health literacy. We'll talk about what a Beneficiary and Family Centered Care Quality Improvement Organization does for Medicare patients to better understand some of the elements of their care, explaining and communicating clearly some of the medical issues that they've been through and some of the problems that they have faced. For more information about Kepro BFCC-QIO, please visit www.keproqio.com. SUBSCRIBESubscribe to our newsletters: Case Review Connections, On the Healthcare FrontRESOURCESImmediate Advocacy: www.keproqio.com/ImmediateAdvocacyInformation for stakeholders: www.keproqio.com/partnersInformation for people who have Medicare: https://keproqio.com/bene/ Music: Motivational Upbeat Corporate by RinkevichMusichttps://soundcloud.com/rinkevichmusic Video Link: https://youtu.be/U78mgVaM12M

SUMMARY As a contractor for Medicare, Kepro serves as the Beneficiary and Family Centered Care Quality Improvement Organization, also referred to as a BFCC-QIO. While Kepro provides BFCC-QIO services in 29 states, the general information is relevant to everyone who has Medicare (including Medicare Advantage) and everyone who works with people who have Medicare. This episode focuses on Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) organizations. They offer free Medicare counseling information, unbiased, factual, to everyone on Medicare. This is especially helpful during Medicare open enrollment.Kepro welcomes guest Janet Peterson Payne who works for Georgia Legal Services as a certified Georgia SHIP Medicare counselor. Georgia SHIP program for Georgia is administered through the Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Aging. Georgia SHIP provides free, unbiased and factual personalized counseling to assist Medicare beneficiaries. The SHIP program is the only agency endorsed by Medicare to provide these services.For more information about Kepro BFCC-QIO, please visit www.keproqio.com. KEY TOPICS 00:55: Overview, introduction 04:00: How SHIPs help people who have Medicare 09:05: Medicare open enrollment 22:00: Resources SUBSCRIBESubscribe to our newsletters: Case Review Connections, On the Healthcare FrontRESOURCESInformation about Medicare Open EnrollmentFind information about your local SHIP: www.shiphelp.orgYouTube VideoMedicare & You: Medicare Open Enrollment is a video that gives you important information about the Medicare Open Enrollment periodWebsite Visit www.Medicare.gov/plan-compare to learn about and compare coverage options and shop for health and drug plans.Telephone Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.Information about Kepro’s free services for people who have MedicareImmediate Advocacy: www.keproqio.com/ImmediateAdvocacyInformation for stakeholders: www.keproqio.com/partnersInformation for people who have Medicare: www.keproqio.com/beneMusic: Motivational Upbeat Corporate by RinkevichMusichttps://soundcloud.com/rinkevichmusic Video Link: https://youtu.be/U78mgVaM12M