Coronavirus (COVID-19): SMAA Updates and Community information

A MESSAGE FROM SMAA

We understand that this is confusing and frustrating time for many older adults looking for information about how to sign up and receive their Coronavirus vaccine. In response to this need, SMAA has created a plan to help older adults find the most current information they need to get vaccinated, find transportation options and, in some cases, get their appointments scheduled. We have been working closely with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the Maine Center for Disease Control (CDC), and some of our local healthcare partners. Here’s what SMAA is doing to help:

We have established a dedicated voicemail message line for older adults who are calling for vaccine information and assistance. Please call (207) 396-6500 and choose OPTION 1. This will connect you to the Vaccine information line. Please leave your name, your date of birth, the town you live in and your telephone number and brief message about what you need help with. A SMAA volunteer will call you back to as soon as possible to assist you. PLEASE NOTE: As of this posting (Feb. 11, 2021) you must be 70 years old or older to schedule an appointment and receive the vaccine.
SMAA volunteers will respond to callers with up-to-date current vaccine information or will help schedule appointments if you are unable to do so on your own. They can also provide transportation option information if you need assistance traveling to a vaccine appointment.
SMAA is working in collaboration with Northern Light Home Care and Hospice to help track and schedule appointments in the more rural areas of Cumberland and York counties. At this time, SMAA volunteers are helping to schedule appointments in the Cornish and Limerick areas. More sites will be open as vaccine becomes available.
If you are physically unable to leave your home, please call SMAA’s Vaccine helpline at (207)396-6500 and press OPTION 1. Leave your name, address, phone number, date of birth and a brief message indicating that you are unable to leave your home for a vaccine. We are collecting this information and hope to arrange a home visit for a vaccine when it is possible to do so.

We urge you to be patient and understand that the information and availability of vaccine appointments changes daily, based on the number of vaccines available in Maine. In the meantime, while you are waiting for your shot, please continue to wear your mask, maintain social distancing and wash your hands frequently. If you have had your vaccine, please continue to adhere to these recommended CDC guidelines until further notice.

COVID 19 Vaccine Information

This is a confusing time as plans for vaccine delivery change daily. SMAA continues to work with the Governor’s office and the Maine CDC to maintain the most current and factual information. Maine has limited vaccine supplies. Currently you must be 70 years or older to receive a vaccine. You can find the latest information on COVID-19, including vaccination sites and information on how to schedule an appointment online using the links below.

Maine Vaccine Information

maine.gov/covid19/vaccines/vaccination-sites
maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc
maine.gov/governor/mills
York Hospital 207-752-8685
yorkhospital.com/vaccines
Maine Health 877-780-7545
mainehealth.org/Coronavirus-COVID-19/Vaccine
Northern Light 207-204-8551
covid.northernlighthealth.org

If you do not have access to a computer, and cannot access the website, please call SMAA at 207-396-6500 and press option one. Vaccine information will be the first option to select when you call that number. If you need information about transportation resources, or need assistance scheduling your appointment, you may leave a message and a Southern Maine Agency on Aging volunteer will return your call as soon as possible. When you leave a message, please include your name, phone number, age, the town you live in, and the type of assistance that would be most helpful to you.

COVID-19 SCAMS
As the country begins to distribute COVID-19 vaccines, scammers are taking advantage of the coronavirus pandemic. The HHS Office of Inspector General alerted the public about COVID-19 fraud schemes, with scammers using telemarketing calls, text messages, social media platforms, and door-to-door visits to perpetrate COVID-19-related scams.
Con artists may also try to get Medicare Numbers or personal information so they can steal identities and commit Medicare fraud. Medicare fraud results in higher health care costs and taxes for everyone.
What can you do to help prevent Medicare beneficiaries from being a victim of fraud?
Share this important information with Medicare beneficiaries to help them protect themselves from Medicare fraud:
Medicare covers the COVID-19 vaccine, so there will be no cost to you.

You will need to share your Medicare card with your health care provider or pharmacy when receiving your vaccine, even if you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.
If anyone else asks you to share your Medicare Number or pay for access to the vaccine, you can bet it's a scam.
You can't pay to put your name on a list to get the vaccine.
You can't pay to get early access to a vaccine.
Don't share your personal or financial information if someone calls, texts, or emails you promising access to the vaccine for a fee.

If you believe you’ve been scammed, file a complaint with the Maine Attorney General at consumer.mediation@Maine.gov or FederalTradeCommission@FTC.gov, or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4621.

SMAA Operations News

On February 1, 2021, the Southern Maine Agency on Aging moved centralized their operations to the Sam L. Cohen Center at 30 Barra Road in Biddeford. Although we are still not welcoming visitors to our office, we hope that when it is safe to do so again, you will visit us in Biddeford.

The majority of our staff is still working remotely, but continue to be available via phone, email and Zoom conferencing. Agewell classes, such as Tai Chi and others, are being conducted virtually and our resource specialists are available to assist clients by calling (207) 396-6500 or by email at referral@smaaa.org. If you are interested in signing up for Meals on Wheels, please call (207) 396-6500 and listen to the prompts for Meals on Wheels.