When a health crisis strikes, the last thing anyone wants to worry about is whether their care will be covered. Medicare has clear rules that protect you in emergencies and in situations where you need care right away, even if you’re far from home or outside your plan’s network.
According to the Medicare Rights Center, an emergency medical condition is one in which symptoms are “severe enough that someone with an average knowledge of health and medicine could reasonably expect your health to be in serious danger if you don’t get medical attention right away.” Urgently needed care, on the other hand, is medically necessary care that cannot reasonably wait.
These definitions matter for everyone with Medicare, but they are especially important for people enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans. Here’s what you should know.
Emergency Room Care Is Covered Nationwide
Both Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage must cover emergency room services anywhere in the United States. You do not need to use an in‑network provider, and you do not need a referral.
If you’re stabilized after an emergency but still need follow‑up care that cannot safely be delayed, your Medicare Advantage plan must also cover that care. And if your plan denies coverage, you have the right to appeal.
Importantly, Medicare rules protect you even when a situation appears to be an emergency. As the handout explains, “If your condition was not an emergency but appeared to be an emergency, your care must still be covered.”
Ambulance Coverage: What’s Included
Medicare covers emergency ambulance transportation when your health is in serious danger and you cannot be transported safely by other means. Coverage applies only when the ambulance takes you to certain approved locations, such as the nearest appropriate hospital.
Be alert for potential ambulance fraud or billing errors. Red flags include being transported in an unapproved vehicle, being billed for more miles than you traveled, or being taken to a non‑covered destination like a doctor’s office.
Emergency Care Outside the U.S.
Medicare generally does not cover care outside the country, but there are a few exceptions. You may be covered if:
- You are traveling a direct route between Alaska and another U.S. state and the closest hospital is in Canada.
- You receive emergency care on a cruise ship within U.S. territorial waters.
- A foreign hospital is closer to your home than the nearest U.S. hospital (common near the Canadian or Mexican borders).
Where to Turn for Help
If you have questions about your Medicare coverage, need help appealing a denial, or want to report potential fraud, you have trusted local resources:
- State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) – unbiased Medicare counseling
- Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) – help identifying and reporting Medicare fraud, errors, or abuse
You can find a convenient handout with all the details here.
Call us toll-free at 866-413-5337 or email shineinfo@aaaswfl.org for local support.
The Medicare Rights Center is the author of portions of the content in these materials but is not responsible for any content not authored by the Medicare Rights Center. This document is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $3,000,000 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. government.
Last Updated: May 29, 2026 by Leave a Comment
Understanding Medicare Appeals: What to Do If Your Coverage is Denied
If Medicare denies coverage for a health service or item you need, you still have options. Both Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans offer formal appeal processes that allow you to request a review of the decision. Knowing your rights—and the steps to take—can make all the difference.
You can download the full Medicare Minute handout with complete details here.
Before You File an Appeal
Before starting an appeal, take a moment to gather information and confirm whether the denial was made in error. According to the handout, “Call your health care provider to see if they made a billing mistake that caused the denial.” If no error occurred, your provider may be able to help you with the appeal or even submit one on your behalf.
It’s also important to contact Medicare or your Medicare Advantage plan to understand the reason for the denial. Your appeal letter should directly address that reason. Be sure to read all denial notices carefully—these documents include instructions and deadlines you must follow.
How to Appeal an Original Medicare Denial
If you are enrolled in Original Medicare, start by reviewing your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN). The handout explains that you should circle the denied service and complete the shaded section at the end of the MSN. Then mail your appeal to the Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) within 120 days of the date on your MSN.
How to Appeal a Medicare Advantage Denial
Medicare Advantage plans have two different appeal pathways depending on whether you have already received the service:
If You Miss the Appeal Deadline
Even if you miss the deadline, you may still be able to appeal if you can show good cause. The handout notes examples such as receiving the notice at the wrong address, being given incorrect information by Medicare, or being unable to manage paperwork due to illness. “If you think you have a good reason for not appealing on time, send your appeal as you normally would and include a clear explanation of why your appeal is late.”
Where to Get Help
You don’t have to navigate the appeals process alone. Your local SHIP and SMP programs are here to support you:
These programs can help you understand your denial, strengthen your appeal, and spot potential errors or fraud.
The Medicare Rights Center is the author of portions of the content in these materials but is not responsible for any content not authored by the Medicare Rights Center. This document is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $3,000,000 with 100% funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. government.
Posted: May 28, 2026 by Leave a Comment
Medicare Fraud Prevention Week: How You Can Help Protect Yourself and Your Community
Medicare fraud isn’t just a financial issue—it’s a community issue. Each year, Medicare loses an estimated $60 billion to fraud, and the impact reaches far beyond dollars. Fraud can cost older adults their time, peace of mind, medical identity, and even their health. Families and caregivers often carry the burden too, helping loved ones recover from fraudulent activity and navigating the stress that comes with it.
That’s why Medicare Fraud Prevention Week, held annually during the week of June 5, is so important. The date is intentional—most people become eligible for Medicare at age 65, and the “6‑5” reminder helps keep fraud prevention top of mind.
At AAASWFL, we’re proud to support the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program and its mission to empower Medicare beneficiaries, families, caregivers, and community partners with the tools they need to PROTECT, DETECT, and REPORT Medicare fraud.
Medicare fraud has a devastating impact on both beneficiaries and the Medicare program. SMP programs across the country work every day to teach people how to avoid scams and safeguard their benefits.
How You Can Participate During Medicare Fraud Prevention Week
Everyone has a role to play in preventing fraud. Here’s how different groups can get involved:
Medicare Beneficiaries
Families & Caregivers
Community Partners
Health Care Professionals
Neighbors & Community Members
AAASWFL and SMP: Here to Help
The Senior Medicare Patrol is ready to support you with free, confidential assistance. SMP staff and volunteers help older adults:
We teach people how to avoid experiencing Medicare fraud. By preventing fraud from happening, this program helps individuals and protects the Medicare program for generations to come.
Medicare Fraud Prevention Week is a perfect time to start new habits, share information, and strengthen our community’s defenses against fraud. Together, we can protect the health and financial well‑being of older adults across Southwest Florida.
Join us online, June 3 to learn how you can protect yourself and your loved ones from Medicare fraud. Register today.
Request a free My Health Care Tracker, a fraud-fighting tool designed to help you track what happens at your health appointments. Contact your local SMP by calling the Helpline at 866-413-5337 or submit a Contact Request Form online.
Posted: May 1, 2026 by Leave a Comment
Understanding Medicare’s Telehealth Coverage: What You Need to Know in 2026
What Counts as Telehealth?
Telehealth is a full visit with a health care provider conducted by phone or video. It allows you to receive care without an in‑person office visit, making it easier to manage your health from home.
According to the Medicare Minute handout, telehealth can be used for services such as:
As the handout explains, “Telehealth includes certain services that you receive from a health care provider outside of an in‑person office visit.”
Telehealth vs Virtual Check-ins
It’s helpful to know the difference:
Medicare covers both, but they are not the same type of service.
Expanded Medicare Telehealth Flexibilities
Medicare’s telehealth rules changed significantly during the COVID‑19 Public Health Emergency, and many of those expanded options remain available through 2027. During this period:
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, check with your plan directly to understand its specific telehealth rules and costs.
What is Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)?
Remote patient monitoring allows providers to track certain health data—such as blood pressure, heart rate, or blood glucose—from your home. This can help reduce unnecessary office visits and support ongoing care for chronic conditions.
However, the handout notes that RPM can sometimes be misused. Watch for red flags such as:
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts.
Where to Get Help
Want More Details?
You can find a convenient handout with all the information summarized here.
The Medicare Rights Center is the author of portions of the content in these materials but is not responsible for any content not authored by the Medicare Rights Center. This document is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $3,000,000 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. government.
Last Updated: April 30, 2026 by Leave a Comment
Staying Connected: Introducing the Alumni Caregiver Support Group
Caregivers often tell us that the most meaningful part of their education experience is discovering they’re not alone. This group builds on that foundation, offering a supportive, confidential environment where alumni can:
Each session is guided by trained facilitators who help keep conversations supportive, focused, and empowering. Whether you prefer to join in person in Fort Myers or virtually via Zoom, the group is designed to meet caregivers where they are — both emotionally and geographically.
Monthly Meetings That Fit Your Routine
The Alumni Caregiver Support Group meets on the:
🗓 3rd Wednesday of each month
⏰ 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Participation is simple. Use the link below to join:
👉 https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/hZWkndJ8Cj?origin=lprLink
Who Can Attend?
This group is open to caregivers who have completed any AAASWFL Caregiver Education Program and who reside in one of the following counties: Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, Lee, or Sarasota.
Have Questions? We’re Here to Help
AAASWFL Caregiver Support
239‑652‑6941 | tiah.thompson@aaaswfl.org
Caregiving is a long journey — but you don’t have to walk it alone. The Alumni Caregiver Support Group is here to help you stay connected, supported, and equipped with the tools you need to care for others while caring for yourself.
Posted: April 10, 2026 by Leave a Comment
Join AAASWFL as a Front Desk Support Volunteer and Help Create a Welcoming First Impression
We are excited to share a meaningful new way to get involved: the Front Desk Support Volunteer role. This opportunity allows caring individuals to help ensure that visitors and callers feel “seen, heard, and welcomed” as they seek information, resources, or support.
Why This Role Matters
The front desk is more than a reception area — it’s the heart of our daily operations. As a Front Desk Support Volunteer, you’ll be the friendly presence that greets guests, answers general questions, and directs individuals to the right programs or staff members. During midday hours, you’ll also help cover our Customer Service Representatives while they take their lunch break, ensuring that no visitor is left without support.
No specialized knowledge is required. As the opportunity notes, volunteers simply need “a genuine willingness to be present and helpful.” Our team provides a brief orientation so you feel confident and prepared.
Flexible Midday Schedule
This volunteer role is available Monday through Friday between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., offering a consistent yet flexible two‑ to three‑hour commitment. Whether you can join us every day or only select days, your presence makes a meaningful impact. The agency welcomes conversations about what works best for your schedule.
Who This Opportunity Is Perfect For
This role is a great fit for:
As the description highlights, this opportunity is ideal for those who want to be part of something greater — to be the first face someone sees when they reach out for help.
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you’re looking for a way to give back, stay engaged, or build experience in a supportive environment, we would be honored to welcome you to our volunteer team.
📩 To learn more or express your interest, email: ea@aaaswfl.org
📍 Location: 2830 Winkler Avenue, Suite 112, Fort Myers, FL 33916
Posted: April 6, 2026 by Leave a Comment
How to Avoid Fake Prize, Sweepstakes and Lottery Scams
You get a call, email, or letter saying you won a sweepstakes, lottery, or prize — like an iPad, a new car, or something else. But you know it’s a scam because of what they do next: they ask you to pay money or give them your account information to get the prize. If you pay, you’ll lose your money and find out there is no prize.
Three Signs of a Prize Scam
Who doesn’t dream of winning a lot of money or a big prize? That’s why scammers still use the promise of a prize to get your money or personal information. The good news is that there are ways to tell you’re dealing with a scam.
Here are three signs of a prize scam:
How Scammers Try to Trick You
Scammers will say anything to get your money. Here are ways they try to convince you that you really won a prize.
If you’re not sure about a contest or the company sending you a prize notification, search online to see if you find anything about them. Type the name with terms like “review,” “complaint” or “scam.”
What To Know About Real Contests and Prizes
Plenty of contests are run by reputable marketers and non-profit organizations. But there are some things to know before you drop in a quick entry or follow instructions to claim a prize.
A special note about skills contests. A skills contest — where you do things like solve problems or answer questions correctly to earn prizes — can ask you to pay to play. But you might end up paying repeatedly, with each round getting more difficult and expensive, before you realize it’s impossible to win or just a scam. Skills contests can leave contestants with nothing to show for their money and effort.
What To Do if You Paid a Scammer
Scammers often ask you to pay in ways that make it hard to get your money back. No matter how you paid a scammer, the sooner you act, the better. Learn more about how to get your money back.
Report Prize Winnings and Lottery Scams
Here’s what to do if you think you’ve been targeted by a prize scam:
For local updates on scams and to connect to resources for older adults and adults with disabilities, visit the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida’s (AAASWFL) website (https://aaaswfl.org) or call the AAASWFL Helpline at 866-413-5337.
Last Updated: March 31, 2026 by Leave a Comment
Introducing Linking Lives: A Journey to Wellness
Strengthening Social Connections for Healthier Aging in Southwest Florida
AAASWFL is excited to introduce Linking Lives: A Journey to Wellness, a new three‑session workshop designed to help older adults build stronger social connections and improve their overall well‑being. Developed in partnership with the Humana Foundation and supported by the National Council on Aging, this program brings together education, reflection, and practical tools to support healthier, more connected aging.
Social connections are essential to aging well, yet many older adults face barriers that make it difficult to maintain meaningful relationships. Whether due to life transitions, mobility challenges, caregiving responsibilities, or simply not knowing where to start, these obstacles can have a real impact on mental and physical health. Linking Lives creates a welcoming space to explore these challenges and learn strategies to overcome them.
Throughout the workshop series, participants will:
Each session is designed to empower older adults with knowledge and actionable steps they can use right away — whether they want to expand their social circle, reconnect with their community, or simply feel more supported in daily life.
Linking Lives: A Journey to Wellness reflects AAASWFL’s ongoing commitment to promoting independence, health, and quality of life for older adults across Southwest Florida. By helping individuals build stronger social connections, we strengthen the fabric of our communities as a whole.
Visit our website calendar for upcoming dates near you!
Posted: March 30, 2026 by Leave a Comment
Medicare Minute: Understanding Emergency & Urgently Needed Care Under Medicare
When a health crisis strikes, the last thing anyone wants to worry about is whether their care will be covered. Medicare has clear rules that protect you in emergencies and in situations where you need care right away, even if you’re far from home or outside your plan’s network.
According to the Medicare Rights Center, an emergency medical condition is one in which symptoms are “severe enough that someone with an average knowledge of health and medicine could reasonably expect your health to be in serious danger if you don’t get medical attention right away.” Urgently needed care, on the other hand, is medically necessary care that cannot reasonably wait.
These definitions matter for everyone with Medicare, but they are especially important for people enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans. Here’s what you should know.
Emergency Room Care Is Covered Nationwide
Both Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage must cover emergency room services anywhere in the United States. You do not need to use an in‑network provider, and you do not need a referral.
If you’re stabilized after an emergency but still need follow‑up care that cannot safely be delayed, your Medicare Advantage plan must also cover that care. And if your plan denies coverage, you have the right to appeal.
Importantly, Medicare rules protect you even when a situation appears to be an emergency. As the handout explains, “If your condition was not an emergency but appeared to be an emergency, your care must still be covered.”
Ambulance Coverage: What’s Included
Medicare covers emergency ambulance transportation when your health is in serious danger and you cannot be transported safely by other means. Coverage applies only when the ambulance takes you to certain approved locations, such as the nearest appropriate hospital.
Be alert for potential ambulance fraud or billing errors. Red flags include being transported in an unapproved vehicle, being billed for more miles than you traveled, or being taken to a non‑covered destination like a doctor’s office.
Emergency Care Outside the U.S.
Medicare generally does not cover care outside the country, but there are a few exceptions. You may be covered if:
Where to Turn for Help
If you have questions about your Medicare coverage, need help appealing a denial, or want to report potential fraud, you have trusted local resources:
You can find a convenient handout with all the details here.
Call us toll-free at 866-413-5337 or email shineinfo@aaaswfl.org for local support.
The Medicare Rights Center is the author of portions of the content in these materials but is not responsible for any content not authored by the Medicare Rights Center. This document is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $3,000,000 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. government.
Posted: February 20, 2026 by Leave a Comment
AAASWFL Partners with the Florida Everblades for a Community Fundraising Night on April 17
The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida (AAASWFL) is excited to announce a special community event that brings together local fun and meaningful impact. We’ve partnered with the Florida Everblades for a Fundraising Night during one of the final home games of the season—an opportunity for families, friends, and supporters across our region to enjoy an exciting night of hockey while giving back to a mission that strengthens Southwest Florida.
📅 Friday, April 17, 2026
🕢 7:30 p.m.
📍 Hertz Arena, Estero, FL
When you purchase tickets through our exclusive event link, a portion of each ticket sale is donated directly back to AAASWFL, Inc. This support helps us continue providing vital services, resources, and programs for older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers across our seven‑county region. The Everblades’ community fundraising program is designed to help local nonprofits raise funds through special ticket packages, with $5 from every ticket purchased through the AAASWFL link going back to support our work.
As the state‑designated Aging and Disability Resource Center for Southwest Florida, AAASWFL connects individuals and families to essential services—from home‑delivered meals and transportation assistance to caregiver support, long‑term care resources, and more . Community partnerships like this one help us expand our reach and deepen our impact.
Whether you’re a lifelong hockey fan or simply looking for a fun night out, this is a wonderful way to enjoy a great game while supporting a cause that matters.
🎟️ Purchase Tickets: www.bladestix.com/aaaswfl (Only tickets purchased through this link count toward the fundraiser.)
We encourage you to invite your friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors—and feel free to share the event within your personal networks to help us maximize participation and support.
We can’t wait to see you at Hertz Arena on April 17 for a night of community, connection, and Everblades hockey.
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