AG Shapiro warns: Watch out for COVID-19 test and vaccine scams

WILKES-BARRE — With reports of an increase in COVID-19 vaccine scams around the country, Attorney General Josh Shapiro is raising awareness and offering tips to Pennsylvanians regarding these scams as distribution of the vaccine ramps up in the state.

“As the COVID-19 vaccine is administered to Pennsylvanians, we believe scammers will begin working overtime to take advantage of consumers and attempt to steal your personal information and your money,” Shapiro said. “Pennsylvanians should remain on guard and report any scams to my office. We are here to help.”

Here are some COVID-19 scams the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General is alerting consumers to:

• COVID-19 Test and Vaccine Scams – As the vaccine roll-out expands in Pennsylvania, scammers are looking to take advantage of consumers by attempting to steal their insurance information, money or both. Any call claiming that you can cut in line to get the vaccine by paying out of pocket is a scam and should be reported to our office. Below are some tips to avoid testing and vaccine scams:

• If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from your insurance company, hang up and call the number on the back of your medical insurance or prescription card to confirm whether the call is legitimate.

• Scammers will claim the costs are covered by insurance, but they need additional information to process the shipment.

• Be cautious if you’re being pressured to share any information or make a payment immediately.

• Always be wary of any unsolicited offers that require you to provide your insurance or doctor’s information.

Anyone who believes they may have been scammed should file a complaint with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General by visiting — https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/submit-a-complaint/scams-complaint/.

The Office of Attorney General is committed to protecting Pennsylvania consumers and will investigate any such allegations and prosecute to fullest extent of the law.

State awards $2M in grants

for Senior Community Centers

The Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) this week announced it has awarded $2 million in grants equally among 405 Area Agency on Aging-affiliated Senior Community Centers (SCCs) for the fiscal year 2020-2021.

Due to the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on SCCs across the commonwealth and the resulting needs, PDA deviated from a traditional competitive grant process and disbursed the funding to the 52 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) to allocate among all of its eligible centers.

Each AAA will receive nearly $5,000 for each eligible SCC. The funding was appropriated by the General Assembly from the Pennsylvania Lottery.

“Our senior community centers have faced challenging times, with many of them operating at limited hours, virtually or not at all during the pandemic,” said Secretary of Aging Robert Torres. “As a result, participants have missed out on congregate meals and social or educational activities along with the camaraderie and support that these centers offer. Given these extraordinary circumstances, we’re pleased to be able to allocate this funding to help all eligible SCCs throughout the commonwealth sustain their operations. This approach provides funding to all of these centers to help strengthen their overall ability to persevere and prepare them to welcome participants back.”

Each SCC will have the flexibility to spend the funding through June 30, 2022, on a variety of projects to best meet the needs of the center and their participants during the pandemic.

Project types include COVID-19 mitigation, capital improvements and renovations, programs and services, technology, nutrition services, marketing and outreach, and rent and utilities.

Senior community centers operated through PDA and its network of AAAs provide a variety of programs and services such as nutritious meals, educational programs, fitness and well-being classes, transportation services, financial and insurance counseling, and volunteer opportunities.

Proceeds from the Pennsylvania Lottery help to fund these programs every year.

Department of Human Services

Provides Update on programs

Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Teresa Miller this week reminded Pennsylvanians that safety-net programs like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid are available to individuals and families who are struggling to afford food or access health care.

Secretary Miller also discussed recent SNAP changes that will help individuals and families amidst the continuing public health crisis and heightened unemployment.

“We all deserve the dignity of having those most essential needs met, especially when we fall on hard times. That’s why DHS is here, regardless of the pandemic, to make sure you can get through times like these,” Miller said.“Our public assistance network can be a lifeline that makes sure people can go to the doctor, have enough to eat, or pay their utilities as other bills and needs arise. This network exists to help you through any change in your circumstances, whether it’s a loss of employment or a reduction in income. No one should feel like they have to endure this period and its stress, anxiety, and uncertainty alone. If you or someone you know could use a hand, please let us try to help.”

Enrollment statewide for Medicaid has increased by 300,076 people since February 2020, for a total enrollment of 3,131,639 people in November — a 10.6 percent increase.

Pennsylvanians who have lost health coverage or are currently uninsured and need coverage for themselves or their children may qualify for coverage through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

Medicaid and CHIP provide coverage for routine and emergency health services, tests and screenings, and prescriptions, and COVID-19 testing and treatment are covered by Medicaid and CHIP. Medicaid and CHIP enroll individuals throughout the year and do not have a limited or special enrollment time, so people needing health coverage can apply for these programs at any time.

There are income limits for Medicaid, but all children qualify for comprehensive health, vision, and dental coverage through CHIP regardless of their parents’ income. Children who are not income eligible for Medicaid are automatically referred to CHIP for coverage.

Enrollment for SNAP statewide has increased by 96,549 people since February 2020, for a total enrollment of about 1,834,008 in November — a 5.6 percent increase.

SNAP helps more than 1.8 million Pennsylvanians purchase fresh food and groceries, helping families with limited or strained resources be able to keep food on the table while meeting other bills and needs. Inadequate food and chronic nutrient deficiencies have profound effects on a person’s life and health, including increased risks for chronic diseases, higher chances of hospitalization, poorer overall health, and increased health care costs. As the nation faces the COVID-19 pandemic, access to essential needs like food is more important than ever to help keep vulnerable populations healthy and mitigate co-occurring health risks.

For more information on public assistance programs, visit www.dhs.pa.gov.

Pennsylvanians urged

to test homes for Radon

Three students who won a poster contest are helping the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Department of Health encourage Pennsylvanians to test their home for radon in January, National Radon Action Month.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that enters homes from the ground and is the second leading cause of lung cancer.

“Because of our geology, Pennsylvania has some of the highest radon gas levels in the country,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “Nearly all homes have radon, and 40 percent of Pennsylvania homes have more radon than the federally recommended guideline. Since you can’t see or smell this gas, doing a simple radon test is one of the practical actions Pennsylvanians can take to keep their home a healthy place.”

DEP coordinated a school poster contest in the fall, inviting students to submit artwork that educates the public about radon. Jocie Wert, a student at Sacred Heart School in Lewistown, Mifflin County, earned first place.

Radon gas results from the breakdown of uranium in the ground and enters homes through cracks in the foundation or other openings. A map from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows radon levels by county.

Radon tests are available at hardware stores for about $20 and are simple to use, requiring only that the canister be opened and placed in the basement for a few days, and then mailed to a lab. Alternatively, you can hire a certified radon tester. Although a radon test can be done any time of year, winter is ideal because doors and windows are closed, providing more accurate results. A video on the DEP website provides radon testing instructions.

For more information, contact the DEP Radon Division:

Radon hotline: 800-237-2366

Phone: 717-783-3594

Email: ra-epbrpenvprt@pa.gov