Blog Post

Beware of the Following COVID-19 Vaccine Scams

Texas Senior Medicare Patrol • Dec 16, 2020
With the coronavirus vaccine recently approved, criminals are ready to take advantage of Americans who are longing to get back to a normal life. Homeland Security investigators and others say that people should only get a vaccine from an approved medical provider, they shouldn't respond to calls seeking personal information, and they shouldn't click on social media posts purporting to sell cures. The Texas Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) says to be aware of the following vaccine scams:
  • You will likely not need to pay anything out of pocket to get the vaccine during this public health emergency.
  • You cannot pay to put your name on a list to get the vaccine.
  • You cannot pay to get early access to the vaccine.
  • No one from Medicare or the Health Department will contact you.
  • No one from a vaccine distribution site or health care payer, like a private insurance company, will call you asking for your Social Security number or your credit card or bank account information to sign you up to get the vaccine.
  • Beware of providers offering other products, treatments, or medicines to prevent the virus. Check with your health care provider before paying for or receiving any COVID-19 related treatment.
  • If you get a call, text, email - or even someone knocking on your door - claiming they can get you early access to the vaccine, STOP, that's a scam. 
Contact the Texas Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) for help at 1-800-341-6187.
Nurse standing behind elderly woman holding her shoulders

Area Agency on Aging to Host Free Conference in Pittsburg

By Area Agency on Aging of East Texas • 03 May, 2024
“Power in Community” Conference Will Cover Medicare Basics, Savings Programs, Preventing Fraud, Health and Wellness, and Community Resources
A group of elderly people are sitting around a table with a nurse.

Area Agency on Aging to Host Community Events Celebrating Older Americans Month in 2024

By Area Agency on Aging of East Texas • 02 Apr, 2024
Throughout May, the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA) is joining organizations across the nation to celebrate the seniors in our communities for Older Americans Month (OAM). The AAA will host and partner with organizations for six celebration events across East Texas at area senior centers and community centers focusing on connection – how communities can build relationships to maintain a healthy senior population. OAM is a national initiative led by the Administration for Community Living. This year’s theme, Powered by Connection , recognizes the profound impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on our health and well-being. The following OAM celebration events are open to the public and will include food, fun, door prizes, and information on services available to East Texas seniors: May 8th at the Forever Young Activity Center, located at 404 S. Main St. in Quitman, from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM May 9th at the Harrison County Extension Office, located at 2005 Warren Dr. in Marshall, from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM May 14th at the Douglas Alumni Association Inc., located at 408 Terry St. in Pittsburg, from 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM May 16th at the First United Methodist Church, located at 225 Lovers Ln in Athens, from 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM May 30th at Central Baptist Church, located at 220 W. Sabine St. in Carthage, from 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM The AAA serves as the region's leader in advocating and providing various services, such as information and referral, benefits counseling, case management, health education classes, senior nutrition, housing repair, and support through the Ombudsman program for people in nursing and assisted living facilities. These services help older individuals live independent, meaningful, and dignified lives in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. Contact the AAA for questions about the events by calling (903) 218-6500.
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