Medicare Minute: New to Medicare

Author

Area Agency on Aging

For more information about the author, click to view their website: Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida

Posted on

Dec 12, 2024

share-this
Share This

If you or a loved one will soon be eligible for Medicare, join us for this Medicare Minute! We’ll go over all the basics you should know—from enrollment periods to coverage choices and beyond.

Some people are automatically enrolled in Medicare. For example, if you are already receiving retirement benefits from Social Security when you become Medicare-eligible, or if you’ve been collecting Social Security Disability Insurance for two years. If you are automatically enrolled, you should receive a package in the mail with your Medicare insurance card telling you so. Otherwise, there are three times to enroll in Parts A and B:

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): The three months before, the month of, and the three months after your 65th birthday.

Special Enrollment Period (SEP): Allows you to delay Medicare enrollment without owing a late enrollment penalty. You may qualify for an SEP if:

  • You or your spouse (or sometimes another family member) are still working, and you are covered by the employer health insurance. Note that you shouldn’t delay Medicare enrollment if this employer coverage pays secondary to Medicare.
  • You have experienced other exceptional circumstances, like losing Medicaid coverage, being released from incarceration, being misinformed by an employer, or being impacted by an emergency or disaster.

General Enrollment Period (GEP): Every year from January 1 through March 31. You may owe a late enrollment penalty and face gaps in coverage if you use the GEP.

View the full “New to Medicare” handout by the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) below.

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 was supported, in part, by grant numbers 90SATC0002 and 90MPRC0002 from the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official Administration for Community Living policy. [April 2024]


New to Medicare

 

Medicare is the federal government program that provides health care coverage, or health insurance. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is the federal agency that runs Medicare. The program is funded in part by Social Security and Medicare taxes you pay on your income, in part through premiums that people with Medicare pay, and in part by the federal budget. Some people are eligible for Medicare due to their age, while others are eligible due to having a disability or chronic condition. If you are new to Medicare, there can be a lot to learn around your enrollment and coverage choices.

 

Medicare Part A (inpatient coverage) and Part B (outpatient coverage)

 

Some people are automatically enrolled in Medicare. For example, if you are already receiving retirement benefits from Social Security when you become Medicare-eligible, or if you’ve been collecting Social Security Disability Insurance for two years. If you are automatically enrolled, you should receive a package in the mail with your Medicare insurance card telling you so. Otherwise, there are three times to enroll in Parts A and B:

 

 


Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): The three months before, the month of, and the three months after your 65th birthday.

 

 

 


Special Enrollment Period (SEP): Allows you to delay Medicare enrollment without owing a late enrollment penalty. You may qualify for an SEP if:

·      You or your spouse (or sometimes another family member) are still working, and you are covered by the employer health insurance. Note that you shouldn’t delay Medicare enrollment if this employer coverage pays secondary to Medicare.

·      You have experienced other exceptional circumstances, like losing Medicaid coverage, being released from incarceration, being misinformed by an employer, or being impacted by an emergency or disaster.

 

 


General Enrollment Period (GEP): Every year from January 1 through March 31. You may owe a late enrollment penalty and face gaps in coverage if you use the GEP.

 

 

 

New to Medicare

 

Choosing between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage is a big choice when you are new to Medicare. Below are some key differences to consider.

 

To discuss your options with a Medicare counselor, you can contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Find your local SHIP by visiting www.shiphelp.org or call 877-839-2675.

 

 

 

Original Medicare

Medicare Advantage

Costs

Part A and Part B costs, including monthly Part B premium. 20% coinsurance for Medicare-covered services if you see a participating provider and after meeting your deductible.

Cost-sharing depends on the plan. Usually pay a copayment for in-network care. Plans may charge a monthly premium in addition to Part B premium.

Supplemental insurance

Have the choice to pay an additional premium for a Medigap policy to cover Medicare cost-sharing.

Cannot purchase a Medigap policy.

Provider access

Can see any provider and use any facility that accepts Medicare (participating and non-participating).

Typically, can only see in-network providers. Some plans allow you to see out-of-network providers at a higher cost.

Referrals

Do not need referrals for specialists.

Typically need referrals for specialists.

Drug coverage

Must sign up for a stand-alone Part D prescription drug plan.

In most cases, plan provides prescription drug coverage (you may be required to pay a higher premium).

Other benefits

Does not cover routine vision, hearing, or dental services.

May cover additional services, including vision, hearing, and/or dental (you may owe an extra premium)

Out-of-pocket limit

No out-of-pocket limit.

Annual out-of-pocket limit. Plan pays the full cost of your care after you reach the limit.

 

 

 

 

 

New to Medicare

 

Prescription drug plans: Part D is provided only through private insurance companies that have contracts with the federal government. If you have Original Medicare and want to get Part D coverage, you must choose and enroll in a stand-alone prescription drug plan. Typically, you should sign up for Part D when you first become eligible to enroll in Medicare, unless you have other creditable drug coverage. Most Medicare Advantage Plans include drug coverage.

 

 

Medigaps: Medigaps are health insurance policies that offer standardized benefits to work with Original Medicare, not with Medicare Advantage. They are sold by private insurance companies. If you have a Medigap, it pays part or all of certain remaining costs after Original Medicare pays first. Medigaps may also cover emergency care when travelling abroad. You should usually enroll in a Medigap during your open enrollment period, the six-month period that begins the month you are 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. Depending on your situation and the state in which you live, you may be able to enroll at other times, too.

 

 

 

My Health Care Trackers

.

My Health Care Trackers are fraud-fighting tools that are free through the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program. My Health Care Trackers include:

 

  • Space to take notes on your medical appointment, including the date, your provider’s name, the reason for your visit, length of appointment, and care received.

 

  • Instructions on how you can compare your notes to what was billed on your Medicare statements.

 

  • Contact information for relevant agencies, such as Medicare, the Social Security Administration (SSA), the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) and the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).

 

 

Using a My Health Care Tracker and comparing your notes with your Medicare statements is a great way to find potential billing errors, as well as Medicare fraud, abuse, or a stolen medical identity. Ultimately, it can help you reduce your health care costs and protect yourself against potential Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse. Contact your local Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) to receive a My Health Care Tracker or need assistance with reading your Medicare statements. Contact information for your local SMP is on the final page of this document.

 

New to Medicare

Local SHIP contact information

Local SMP contact information

SHIP toll-free: 1-866-413-5337

SMP toll-free: 1-866-413-5337

SHIP email:  [email protected]

SMP email:  [email protected]

SHIP website:  www.floridashine.org

SMP website:  www.floridashine.org

 

   To find a SHIP in another state:

Call 877-839-2675 (and say “Medicare”
when prompted) or visit
www.shiphelp.org

 

 

 

   To find an SMP in another state:

Call 877-808-2468 or visit www.smpresource.org

SHIP Technical Assistance Center: 877-839-2675 | www.shiphelp.org | [email protected]

SMP Resource Center: 877-808-2468 | www.smpresource.org | [email protected]

© 2023 Medicare Rights Center | www.medicareinteractive.org  |

 

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 was supported, in part, by grant numbers 90SATC0002 and 90MPRC0002 from the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official Administration for Community Living policy. [April 2024]

 


Other Articles You May Like

Will Selling Their Home Cost You a Client?

Every independent living, assisted living, and memory care community has experienced it.A prospective resident and their family tour your community. They love the apartment. They are emotionally ready to make the move.Then comes the sentence that changes everything:"We have to sell the house first."Suddenly, what seemed like a straightforward move becomes filled with uncertainty.How long will it take to sell?How much will they actually receive?Will the buyer's financing fall through?Will repairs be required?Will inspections uncover expensive issues?Will the move be delayed for months?Unfortunately, these unknowns often result in families postponing their decision. Some decide to "wait until next year." Others choose another community with different availability. Sometimes a health event forces an emergency move that could have been avoided with better planning.In many cases, everyone loses.The family experiences unnecessary stress.The senior delays the next chapter of their life.And your community may lose a future resident.The Home Is Often the Biggest ObstacleFor many seniors, the home represents decades of memoriesbut it is also the largest financial asset they own.Many families simply cannot commit to a move until they know:When the home will sellHow much they will receiveWhether repairs will be necessaryWhen they will have access to the proceedsWithout those answers, planning becomes difficult.That's where we help.Did You Know?Many prospective residents delay moving into an independent living or assisted living community simply because they are uncertain about selling their home.In many cases, one conversation with an experienced real estate professional can eliminate that uncertainty and give families the confidence to move forward.One call gives families two professional options:A fast, guaranteed cash offer through Sarasota Cash Home BuyersA traditional MLS listing through Jeff Nemeth Real EstateThere is no obligation and no pressure - just honest guidance to help families choose the solution that best fits their goals, timeline, and financial needs.One Contact. Two Professional Solutions.Unlike most companies, we can provide both of the primary options available to homeowners.Our goal isn't to convince someone to choose one path over the other.Our goal is to help families choose the solution that best fits their situation.Solution One: Sarasota Cash Home BuyersSome families need certainty.Perhaps Mom needs to move within a few weeks.Perhaps Dad has already moved into assisted living.Perhaps the family lives out of state.Perhaps the home needs extensive repairs.Perhaps maintaining the property has become overwhelming.A direct cash purchase often removes nearly every obstacle.Benefits include:Sell completely as-isNo repairsNo cleaningNo paintingNo stagingNo open housesNo repeated showingsNo financing contingenciesNo appraisal concernsNo commissionsNo waiting for a buyer to qualify for financingChoose the closing date that works with the move-in scheduleGreater certainty throughout the entire processInstead of wondering whether the house will sell, families know exactly when the transaction will close.That certainty often makes scheduling a move into your community much easier.Solution Two: Jeff Nemeth Real EstateSometimes, selling through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is the better option.Every family's goals are different.If maximizing the sale price is the highest priority and the family has flexibility with timing, a traditional listing may produce the best overall outcome.With nearly two decades as a licensed Realtor and hundreds of successful real estate transactions, Jeff Nemeth helps families understand the advantages and trade-offs of listing their home traditionally.Our philosophy is simple:Recommend what's best for the clientnot what's best for us.That means families receive honest advice about both options before making any decisions.Why This Matters to Senior Living CommunitiesWhen a family delays selling a home, the move into your community is often delayed as well.Those delays can affect:OccupancyMove-in timelinesApartment availabilitySales forecastingFamily confidenceResident planningHaving a trusted housing resource available early in the conversation can eliminate many of these roadblocks before they become major problems.Even if a family ultimately chooses to list the property rather than accept a cash offer, they now have a clear roadmap and realistic expectations.Knowledge reduces uncertainty.And reduced uncertainty helps families move forward.We Become Part of Your TeamWe regularly work alongside:Independent Living communitiesAssisted Living communitiesMemory Care communitiesContinuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)Senior placement agenciesSenior move managersEstate planning attorneysElder law attorneysProbate attorneysTrust officersFinancial advisorsGuardiansHome health agenciesHospice providersProfessional organizersSenior relocation companiesOur role is simple:Help families solve the housing piece of the transition.When that obstacle is removed, everyone benefits.One Contact. Two Solutions.Sarasota Cash Home BuyersJeff Nemeth Real EstateImmediate cash offerTraditional MLS listingSell completely as-isProfessional marketingNo repairsMaximum market exposureNo showingsBuyer competitionNo financing contingenciesGuidance throughout the selling processFlexible closing dateMarket-based pricing strategyFast, predictable closingIdeal for families with more flexibilityThere is no "one-size-fits-all" solution.Every family deserves to understand both options before making one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.Why Families Appreciate Working With UsFamilies often tell us that what they value most isn't simply buying or selling a home.It's having someone who explains every option without pressure.We believe education comes before transactions.Sometimes the best recommendation is a cash sale.Sometimes it's listing on the open market.Sometimes it's waiting.Our responsibility is to help families make an informed decision based on their financial goals, timeline, and personal circumstances.Helping Seniors Move ForwardMoving into a senior living community is a major life transition.The process should feel supportednot overwhelming.If one of your prospective residents needs to sell a home before they can move, we'd be happy to provide a complimentary consultation, explain every available option, and help the family determine the best path forward.There is no obligation.No high-pressure sales presentation.Just experienced guidance from professionals who understand both the real estate market and the unique challenges families face during senior transitions.One conversation today could be the difference between a delayed move and a successful move-in.At Sarasota Cash Home Buyers and Jeff Nemeth Real Estate, we're committed to helping seniors, their families, and senior living professionals remove one of the biggest obstacles to a successful transition - selling the home with confidence.Together, we can help more seniors move forward with certainty.Contact Jeff Nemeth at 941-202-6957 for more information.    

Discover Personalized Senior Living at The Watermark at Marco Island

When it comes to choosing a senior living community, finding the right balance of personalized care, wellness, engaging experiences, and comfort is essential. At The Watermark at Marco Island, residents can enjoy a thoughtfully designed lifestyle in a beautiful setting while receiving support tailored to the way they want to live.A Place to Call Home on Marco IslandLocated at 1170 San Marco Road in Marco Island, Florida, The Watermark at Marco Island offers assisted living and memory care in a welcoming residential environment.The community is designed to provide more than just a place to live. Here, personalized care is complemented by opportunities for wellness, enriching daily experiences, social connection, and chef-prepared dining.For seniors and their families, that means having support available while maintaining independence and enjoying the lifestyle that makes each day meaningful.Personalized Care Designed Around YouEvery resident has unique needs, interests, routines, and preferences. The Watermark at Marco Island takes a personalized approach to care, creating support around the individual rather than expecting residents to fit into a one-size-fits-all model.Whether a senior needs assistance with daily activities or specialized support associated with memory care, the goal is to help residents feel comfortable, confident, and engaged in their surroundings.This thoughtful approach allows families to have greater peace of mind while their loved ones enjoy a community designed around their well-being.Wellness and Enriching ExperiencesLife at The Watermark at Marco Island extends beyond care. The community incorporates holistic wellness and enriching daily experiences designed to encourage residents to remain active, connected, and engaged.Common areas provide opportunities to socialize with friends, participate in activities, enjoy hobbies, or simply relax in a comfortable environment. From a game of pool to sharing a meal or spending time with neighbors, residents have opportunities to make each day their own.The emphasis is on supporting the whole personmind, body, and spirit.Dining Made From ScratchGood food is an important part of a fulfilling lifestyle, and dining at The Watermark at Marco Island is designed to be an enjoyable part of each day.Residents can experience chef-prepared meals made from scratch, offering the opportunity to enjoy delicious food while dining in a social and welcoming environment.Meals can be more than simply meeting nutritional needsthey can provide residents with another opportunity to connect, celebrate, and enjoy the pleasures of everyday life.Comfortable ResidencesThe Watermark at Marco Island offers thoughtfully designed residences intended to provide comfort, privacy, and a sense of home.Bright interiors, comfortable furnishings, and inviting living spaces create an environment where residents can settle in and feel at ease. Families can visit and spend quality time with their loved ones in a setting that feels warm and welcoming.The community's design also provides convenient access to shared spaces where residents can socialize and participate in daily activities.See Your Day HereChoosing senior living is a significant decision, and seeing a community in person can make all the difference. A personal visit allows seniors and their families to experience the environment, explore the residences, learn about available care, and get a better understanding of everyday life at the community.The Watermark at Marco Island invites prospective residents and their families to step inside, tour the residences, and picture what their day could look like here.To schedule a personal visit, call 239-999-4601.The Watermark at Marco Island1170 San Marco RoadMarco Island, FL 34145WatermarkMarcoIsland.com

The Emotional Side of Moving a Parent to Senior Living

Moving a parent to senior living is rarely just a move. It is an emotional transitionfor the older adult, the family, and often the person making the decision.Families may feel guilt, sadness, fear, relief, and even uncertaintysometimes all in the same day.A daughter may think, Am I doing the right thing?A son may wonder, Will Mom think Im abandoning her?And a parent may be thinking, Am I losing my independence?These emotions are normal.As senior living leaders, our responsibility goes beyond providing a safe apartment, meals, activities, and care. We have to care for the emotional journey that comes with the transition.Its not about taking independence away.Its about helping redefine what independence looks like.Sometimes independence means no longer worrying about cooking, cleaning, medication management, or being alone. It means having people nearby, opportunities to socialize, and support when it is neededwhile still having choices about how each day is lived.Families need reassurance, not judgment.The decision to move a parent is often made after monthsor yearsof difficult conversations, falls, sleepless nights, increasing care needs, or simply realizing that living alone isnt working anymore.Families dont need someone to make them feel guilty.They need someone to say:Youre not failing your parent. Youre helping create a safer, more supported chapter of their life.The first days matter.A successful transition isnt just about getting someone moved in.The process starts before they move in. Person Centered Selling truly makes a difference from an average senior living to a fantastic senior living. It is about learning who they are.What makes them smile?What did they do for a living?What music do they enjoy?What foods do they love?Who are the important people in their life?What makes them feel comfortable?When we know the person behind the resident, we can begin creating a sense of belonging, not just care. And sometimes the greatest measure of success isnt the beautiful apartment or the activity calendar.Its when a family member says:I havent seen Mom this happy in a long time. That is priceless! That is when we know the transition is becoming a new beginning.From a senior living leaders perspectiveI have learned that families arent simply looking for a place for Mom or Dad.They are looking for peace of mind.They want to know their loved one is safe.They want to know someone will notice when something isnt right.They want their parent to have friends.They want to be a daughter or son againnot a full-time caregiver.And most importantly, they want to know:Will you love and care for my parent when I cant be there?That is the promise behind great senior living like Springwood Court. Because at the end of the day, we arent just helping someone move into a community.Were helping a family move into a new chapter and season of their life, one filled with support, connection, dignity and love.Fran Gray RNExecutive Director Springwood CourtAssisted Living12780 Kenwood LaneFort Myers, FL33907239-278-0078

Local Services By This Author

Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida

Volunteer Opportunities 2830 Winkler Avenue, Suite 112, Fort Myers, Florida, 33916

The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida (AAASWFL) is a nonprofit organization serving older adults (age 60-up) and adults with disabilities. We serve Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, Lee and Sarasota counties. AAASWFL is committed to connecting older adults and adults with disabilities to resources and assistance for living safely with independence and dignity.AAASWFL is also the states designated Aging and Disability Resource Center for Southwest Florida. We provide information and resources for seniors and adults with disabilities. We also help their families and caregivers. AAASWFL can connect you with local resources like elder care, adult day care, housing assistance, home care, meals, housekeeping, legal assistance, personal care, and even volunteer opportunities.Providing Long-Term Care (LTC) services to Floridas most vulnerable citizens is a multi-agency effort. The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) administers the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) Long-Term Care program, sets coverage policy, and gets those eligible for services enrolled in a LTC plan. The Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) is responsible for determining medical eligibility and level of care needed. We are one of eleven regional Area Agencies on Aging in the state of Florida. Nationwide, there are more than 600 Area Agencies on Aging serving elders and adults with disabilities.Please contact the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida if we can be of assistance to you, a friend or a family member!The AAASWFL Elder Helpline is available between 8:00 am-5:00 pm Monday through Friday:  866-413-5337 (866-41-ELDER)Contact Phones:Telephone: 239-652-6900FAX: 239-652-6989Toll Free: 866-413-5337 (in the State of Florida)Postal address:Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida2830 Winkler Avenue, Suite 112Fort Myers, FL 33916Hours of Operation:Monday-Friday: 8am 5pm

Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida

Support Groups & Services 2830 Winkler Avenue, Suite 112, Fort Myers, Florida, 33916

The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida (AAASWFL) is a nonprofit organization serving older adults (age 60-up) and adults with disabilities. We serve Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, Lee and Sarasota counties. AAASWFL is committed to connecting older adults and adults with disabilities to resources and assistance for living safely with independence and dignity.AAASWFL is also the states designated Aging and Disability Resource Center for Southwest Florida. We provide information and resources for seniors and adults with disabilities. We also help their families and caregivers. AAASWFL can connect you with local resources like elder care, adult day care, housing assistance, home care, meals, housekeeping, legal assistance, personal care, and even volunteer opportunities.Providing Long-Term Care (LTC) services to Floridas most vulnerable citizens is a multi-agency effort. The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) administers the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) Long-Term Care program, sets coverage policy, and gets those eligible for services enrolled in a LTC plan. The Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) is responsible for determining medical eligibility and level of care needed. We are one of eleven regional Area Agencies on Aging in the state of Florida. Nationwide, there are more than 600 Area Agencies on Aging serving elders and adults with disabilities.Please contact the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida if we can be of assistance to you, a friend or a family member!The AAASWFL Elder Helpline is available between 8:00 am-5:00 pm Monday through Friday:  866-413-5337 (866-41-ELDER)Contact Phones:Telephone: 239-652-6900FAX: 239-652-6989Toll Free: 866-413-5337 (in the State of Florida)Postal address:Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida2830 Winkler Avenue, Suite 112Fort Myers, FL 33916Hours of Operation:Monday-Friday: 8am 5pm

Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida

Elder Abuse Prevention 2830 Winkler Avenue, Suite 112, Fort Myers, Florida, 33916

The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida (AAASWFL) is a nonprofit organization serving older adults (age 60-up) and adults with disabilities. We serve Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, Lee and Sarasota counties. AAASWFL is committed to connecting older adults and adults with disabilities to resources and assistance for living safely with independence and dignity.AAASWFL is also the states designated Aging and Disability Resource Center for Southwest Florida. We provide information and resources for seniors and adults with disabilities. We also help their families and caregivers. AAASWFL can connect you with local resources like elder care, adult day care, housing assistance, home care, meals, housekeeping, legal assistance, personal care, and even volunteer opportunities.Providing Long-Term Care (LTC) services to Floridas most vulnerable citizens is a multi-agency effort. The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) administers the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) Long-Term Care program, sets coverage policy, and gets those eligible for services enrolled in a LTC plan. The Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) is responsible for determining medical eligibility and level of care needed. We are one of eleven regional Area Agencies on Aging in the state of Florida. Nationwide, there are more than 600 Area Agencies on Aging serving elders and adults with disabilities.Elder Abuse Education & PreventionElder abuse impacts millions of people around the world. The National Council on Aging estimates that one in 10 Americans age 60+ have experienced elder abuse, but many cases go unreported.The Area Agency on Agings Elder Abuse Prevention program is designed to increase awareness of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. We provide elder abuse education training to area seniors and caregivers. Training topics include how to detect and prevent elder abuse and fraud. We also partner with other agencies to increase awareness of Elder Abuse.Report Elder AbuseThere are five types of elder abuse: Physical abuse,  emotional/psychological abuse, financial/material exploitation, sexual abuse, and neglect.  If you suspect elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation, call the Florida Abuse hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE. This toll-free number is available 24 hours a day, every day. You can report any type of abuse to the Florida Abuse hotline.  Reports are confidential and can be made anonymously.World Elder Abuse Awareness DayThe United Nations General Assembly has designated June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The goal of this day is to ensure our elders live free from all forms of abuse. Each year, the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida participates in local events that commemorate this important date.AAASWFLs Elder Abuse Prevention programs are funded through the U.S. Older Americans Act.