Aging Health Matters

Acentra QIO Communications
  • 5.0 (1)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS
Aging Health Matters

This podcast will cover topics of interest to people who have Medicare. Episodes will include Medicare rights and health care. We hope you tune in for helpful tips that can improve the healthcare journey of you or someone you know. Kepro is now Acentra Health. All future podcast episodes will say "Acentra Health" - while older episodes (those posted prior to July 1, 2024) will refer to "Kepro." Rest assured, that all content about our free services for people who have Medicare are accurate. Our name has changed, but our services remain exactly the same.Acentra Health is a Beneficiary and Family Centered Care Quality Improvement Organization, also referred to as a BFCC-QIO. For more information about Acentra Health, please visit www.acentraqio.com.

Episodes

  1. 3D AGO

    Learn About Appeals at Acentra Health

    As a contractor for Medicare, Acentra Health serves as the Beneficiary and Family Centered Care Quality Improvement Organization, also referred to as a BFCC-QIO. While Acentra Health provides BFCC-QIO services in 29 states, the general information is relevant to everyone who has Medicare (including Medicare Advantage) and everyone who works with people who have Medicare.   This episode is a conversation with our guests, Rose Hartnett, RN, MS, Operations Director, and Trena Dodson, LPN, Appeals Manager, for Acentra Health. In this podcast, our guests will share information about our hospital discharge and skilled service termination appeals as well as our new observation appeals.  For more information about Acentra Health BFCC-QIO, please visit www.acentraqio.com.  KEY TOPICS  00:24: Overview, introduction of guests, Rose Hartnett and Trena Dodson  02:40: What are the different types of appeals?  07:43: Explanation of the appeals process  10:43: Examples of why appeals are filed  12:03: What do physician reviewers look for while reviewing an appeal?  13:54: Final thoughts   SUBSCRIBE Subscribe to our newsletters: Case Review Connections, On the Healthcare Front at www.acentraqio.com. RESOURCES  BFCC-QIO Information for stakeholders: www.acentraqio.com/partners  BFCC-QIO Information for people who have Medicare: www.acentraqio.com/bene  BFCC-QIO Appeal Information - https://acentraqio.com/bene/appeal.aspx BFCC-QIO's Case Status Tool (check appeal status) -  https://acentraqio.com/casestatus/   Music: Motivational Upbeat Corporate by RinkevichMusic   https://soundcloud.com/rinkevichmusic  https://protunes.net/   Video Link: https://bit.ly/3NNqGTs

    18 min

  2. JUN 17

    Learn About the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) and What Services They Offer People with Medicare

    As a contractor for Medicare, Acentra Health serves as the Beneficiary and Family Centered Care Quality Improvement Organization, also referred to as a BFCC-QIO. While Acentra Health provides BFCC-QIO services in 29 states (visit www.acentraqio.com to see the states served), the general information is relevant to everyone who has Medicare (including Medicare Advantage) and everyone who works with people who have Medicare.  This episode is a conversation with our guest, Ray Walker. He is the Divisional Director for the Medicare Assistance Program at the Oklahoma Insurance Department. Mr. Walker has a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication from the University of Oklahoma and over 20 years experience working in and around the healthcare industry, primarily in the field of insurance. He has had the privilege of speaking to groups across the state and around the country on topics ranging from genetics to team building to Medicare. He currently serves on the Advisory Committee to the State Council on Aging and the SHIP Steering Committee (State Health Insurance Assistance Program). He also serves on the Steering Committee for the Aging Our Way Oklahoma Program.   For more information about Acentra Health BFCC-QIO, please visit https://www.acentraqio.com. KEY TOPICS  00:23: Overview, introduction of guest, Ray Walker 01:48: What is SHIP? 05:35: When to set up Medicare 06:45: How does SHIP help people with Medicare? 07:43: What is the process for assistance? 11:00: Do they help find financial assistance? 14:40: How is SHIP staffed? 16:27: Summary and final thoughts  SUBSCRIBE Subscribe to our newsletters: Case Review Connections, On the Healthcare Front at https://www.acentraqio.com/newsletters RESOURCES BFCC-QIO Information for stakeholders: www.acentraqio.com/partners BFCC-QIO Information for people who have Medicare: https://www.acentraqio.com/bene/helpline SHIP Information –https://www.shiphelp.org/  Oklahoma Department of Insurance - https://www.oid.ok.gov/   Music: Motivational Upbeat Corporate by RinkevichMusic  https://soundcloud.com/rinkevichmusic https://protunes.net/ Video Link: https://bit.ly/3NNqGTs

    19 min

  3. MAY 14

    Learn About Hospital Associations and How They Can Benefit People with Medicare

    As a contractor for Medicare, Acentra Health serves as the Beneficiary and Family Centered Care Quality Improvement Organization, also referred to as a BFCC-QIO. While Acentra Health provides BFCC-QIO services in 29 states (visit www.acentraqio.com to see the states served), the general information is relevant to everyone who has Medicare (including Medicare Advantage) and everyone who works with people who have Medicare.   This episode is a conversation with our guest, Rich Rasmussen, who serves as the President and CEO of the Oklahoma Hospital Association (OHA). The association serves as the advocacy voice for 153 hospitals and health systems. He has spent 35 years advocating on behalf of hospitals and health systems. OHA is the leader in healthcare quality improvement in Oklahoma and a national voice for healthcare delivery in the state.  Prior to assuming the President’s role at OHA, Rich served as President and CEO of the Montana Hospital Association for five years and the Vice President for Membership Relations at the Florida Hospital Association, a position he held for 28 years. Rich’s community engagement has included serving as a volunteer firefighter, District Captain in the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and membership on numerous boards.   For more information about Acentra Health BFCC-QIO, please visit https://www.acentraqio.com.  KEY TOPICS   00:24: Overview, Introduction of Guest, Rich Rasmussen  03:47: Advocacy by Hospital Associations  05:14: Different Types of Hospitals  08:30: Initiatives Under the Oklahoma Hospital Association  13:27: Quality of Care Side of the Oklahoma Hospital Association  16:01: Summary and Final Thoughts  SUBSCRIBE Subscribe to our newsletters: Case Review Connections, On the Healthcare Front at https://www.acentraqio.com/newsletters  RESOURCES  BFCC-QIO Information for stakeholders: www.acentraqio.com/partners  BFCC-QIO Information for people who have Medicare: https://www.acentraqio.com/bene/helpline  Oklahoma Hospital Association - https://www.okoha.com/  American Hospital Association - https://www.aha.org/    Music: Motivational Upbeat Corporate by RinkevichMusic   https://soundcloud.com/rinkevichmusic  https://protunes.net/   Video Link: https://bit.ly/3NNqGTs

    21 min

  4. APR 24

    Learn About the Outreach Program at Acentra Health

    As a contractor for Medicare, Acentra Health serves as the Beneficiary and Family Centered Care Quality Improvement Organization, also referred to as a BFCC-QIO. While Acentra Health provides BFCC-QIO services in 29 states (visit https://www.acentraqio.com to see the states served), the general information is relevant to everyone who has Medicare (including Medicare Advantage) and everyone who works with people who have Medicare.   This episode is a conversation with our Outreach Specialists, Nancy Jobe and Kia Weaver about their work with providers and stakeholders that work with people with Medicare. For more information about Acentra Health BFCC-QIO, please visit https://www.acentraqio.com.  KEY TOPICS   00:24: Overview, introduction of guests, Nancy Jobe and Kia Weaver  02:55: Role of the Outreach Specialist and how collaboration works  04:20: Description of stakeholder and ones Acentra Health works with frequently  05:56: Services we offer to stakeholders  07:47: Partnerships with other organizations, including those that work with underserved and rural  12:40: Summary and final thoughts  SUBSCRIBE Subscribe to our newsletters: Case Review Connections, On the Healthcare Front at https://www.acentraqio.com/newsletters  RESOURCES  BFCC-QIO Information for providers: www.acentraqio.com/providers  BFCC-QIO Information for stakeholders: www.acentraqio.com/partners  BFCC-QIO Information for people who have Medicare: https://www.acentraqio.com/bene  Request a Speaker - https://acentraqio.com/partners/frmSpeaker.aspx  Nancy Jobe – Nancy.Jobe@acentra.com or Kia Weaver – Kia.Weaver@acentra.com for presentations on Acentra Health’s BFCC-QIO services  Music: Motivational Upbeat Corporate by RinkevichMusic https://soundcloud.com/rinkevichmusic, https://protunes.net/   Video Link: https://bit.ly/3NNqGTs

    15 min

  5. MAR 17

    Learn About the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) – Helping People to Fight Medicare Fraud

    SUMMARY As a contractor for Medicare, Acentra Health serves as the Beneficiary and Family Centered Care Quality Improvement Organization, also referred to as a BFCC-QIO. While Acentra Health provides BFCC-QIO services in 29 states (visit www.acentraqio.com to see the states served), the general information is relevant to everyone who has Medicare (including Medicare Advantage) and everyone who works with people who have Medicare.  This episode is a conversation with our guest, Crystal Strong, the Program Director for the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) program, and the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program within the South Carolina Department on Aging (SCDOA). She provides oversight and direction to the state grantees to support their work assisting Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers through outreach, counseling, and education. In this role, she is also responsible for the education and certification of the counselors/volunteers statewide. Crystal actively supports the program networks by providing training and technical assistance whenever possible. Prior to this position Crystal has functioned in various roles and programs since 2000 when her tenure at SCDOA began. Crystal holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from South Carolina State University.   For more information about Acentra Health BFCC-QIO, please visit https://www.acentraqio.com. KEY TOPICS  00:24: Overview, introduction of guest, Crystal Strong 01:58: Information about the SMP program 03:31: Tips for people with Medicare 04:14: How does SMP work with stakeholders 04:54: Summary and final thoughts SUBSCRIBE Subscribe to our newsletters: Case Review Connections, On the Healthcare Front at https://www.acentraqio.com/newsletters RESOURCES BFCC-QIO Information for stakeholders: www.acentraqio.com/partners BFCC-QIO Information for people who have Medicare: https://www.acentraqio.com/bene/helpline Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) - https://smpresource.org/ State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) and Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance Program (SHIBA): https://www.shiphelp.org/ South Carolina Department of Aging - https://aging.sc.gov/ Medicare: https://www.medicare.gov/   Music: Motivational Upbeat Corporate by RinkevichMusic  https://soundcloud.com/rinkevichmusic https://protunes.net/ Video Link: https://bit.ly/3NNqGTs

    7 min

  6. FEB 24

    Acentra Health’s Immediate Advocacy (IA) and Immediate Advocacy Discharge Assistance (IADA) Services

    SUMMARY As a contractor for Medicare, Acentra Health serves as the Beneficiary and Family Centered Care Quality Improvement Organization, also referred to as a BFCC-QIO. While Acentra Health provides BFCC-QIO services in 29 states, the general information is relevant to everyone who has Medicare (including Medicare Advantage) and everyone who works with people who have Medicare.   This episode is a conversation with our guests, David Miller, MHA, RN, Operations Director, and Natalie Palmer, BSN, RN, Clinical Review Manager, from Acentra Health. In this podcast, our guests will share information about our free Immediate Advocacy services that can assist with solving medical problems quickly and our IADA services that are available to Medicare beneficiaries that have filed a discharge appeal.  For more information about Acentra Health BFCC-QIO, please visit www.acentraqio.com.  KEY TOPICS                                                                                                                       00:21: Overview, introduction of guests, David Miller and Natalie Palmer  02:09: What is Immediate Advocacy and how does it work?  03:37: Examples of Immediate Advocacy  09:53: What is Immediate Advocacy Discharge Assistance?  13:34: Differences between Immediate Advocacy and other Acentra Health review types  15:23: Final thoughts  SUBSCRIBE Subscribe to our newsletters on our website: Case Review Connections, On the Healthcare Front  RESOURCES  BFCC-QIO Information for stakeholders: www.acentraqio.com/partners  BFCC-QIO Information for people who have Medicare: www.acentraqio.com/bene  Acentra Health’s Immediate Advocacy Information - https://acentraqio.com/bene/advocacy.aspx  Acentra Health’s Immediate Advocacy Discharge Assistance Information - https://acentraqio.com/providers/appeals.aspx     Music: Motivational Upbeat Corporate by RinkevichMusic  https://soundcloud.com/rinkevichmusic https://protunes.net/   Video Link: https://bit.ly/3NNqGTs

    17 min

  7. JAN 31

    Learn about Medicare and Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Care

    SUMMARY  As a contractor for Medicare, Acentra Health serves as the Beneficiary and Family Centered Care Quality Improvement Organization, also referred to as a BFCC-QIO. While Acentra Health provides BFCC-QIO services in 29 states, the general information is relevant to everyone who has Medicare (including Medicare Advantage) and everyone who works with people who have Medicare.   This episode is a conversation with our guest, Ed Guzmán, the Regional Ombudsman for the Olympic Washington region. He was born and raised in NYC and worked as a teacher. He eventually went to Southern California for graduate school in philosophy.  He has worked in advocacy for approximately three years. He spent one year as an Assistant Regional Ombudsman for the Olympic Region Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. Since July 2023, he has served as the Regional Ombudsman for the Olympic Region. He is passionate about advocacy and empowering the self-determination of facility residents in Washington state.   In this podcast, Mr. Guzmán will share information about some of the differences between skilled nursing care and long-term care, how Medicare pays for skilled care, skilled service terminations with Acentra Health, and a successful reconsideration in his state.  For more information about Acentra Health BFCC-QIO, please visit www.acentraqio.com.  KEY TOPICS  00:29: Overview, introduction of guest, Ed Guzmán  02:22: Differences between skilled nursing and long-term care  04:54: Requirements for Medicare to pay for skilled care  07:23: Information about appealing a skilled service termination with Acentra Health  09:28: Successful reconsideration  12:19: Final thoughts  SUBSCRIBE Subscribe to our newsletters: Case Review Connections, On the Healthcare Front  RESOURCES  BFCC-QIO Information for stakeholders: www.acentraqio.com/partners  BFCC-QIO Information for people who have Medicare: www.acentraqio.com/bene  Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program: https://www.waombudsman.org/   Acentra Health’s Skilled Service Appeal Information - https://acentraqio.com/bene/appeal.aspx  Music: Motivational Upbeat Corporate by RinkevichMusic https://soundcloud.com/rinkevichmusic https://protunes.net/   Video Link: https://bit.ly/3NNqGTs

    14 min

  8. 10/21/2024

    Open Enrollment – Helping People with Medicare Make the Best Decisions for their Health

    SUMMARY As a contractor for Medicare, Acentra Health serves as the Beneficiary and Family Centered Care Quality Improvement Organization, also referred to as a BFCC-QIO. While Acentra Health provides BFCC-QIO services in 29 states (visit www.acentraqio.com to see the states served), the general information is relevant to everyone who has Medicare (including Medicare Advantage) and everyone who works with people who have Medicare.   This episode is a conversation with our guest, Kathy Madden who works for the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, Division of Insurance. She has been the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)/Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Partners Services and Training Manager for 12 years. She spent most of her career training all over the country on various topics in the Human Services realm before joining SHIP.   She has experience and knowledge about Medicare, Medigap, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare-related topics. Kathy is passionate about advocating for seniors and understands that consumer education is key to beneficiaries making information Medicare decisions and preventing fraud and abuse within the Medicare program. She is excited and honored to help consumers, stakeholders, and partners navigate the complex Medicare system.   For more information about Acentra Health BFCC-QIO, please visit https://www.acentraqio.com.  KEY TOPICS   00:25: Overview, introduction of guest, Kathy Madden  02:25: Information about the SHIP program  04:30: What is Medicare Open Enrollment?  07:58: What is Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment?  11:46: Medicare Plan Finder tool  14:47: Summary and final thoughts  SUBSCRIBE Subscribe to our newsletters: Case Review Connections, On the Healthcare Front at https://www.acentraqio.com/newsletters  RESOURCES BFCC-QIO Information for stakeholders: www.acentraqio.com/partners  BFCC-QIO Information for people who have Medicare: https://www.acentraqio.com/bene/helpline  SHIP and Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance Program (SHIBA): https://www.shiphelp.org/  Medicare: https://www.medicare.gov/  Music: Motivational Upbeat Corporate by RinkevichMusic https://soundcloud.com/rinkevichmusic https://protunes.net/ Video Link: https://bit.ly/3NNqGTs

    17 min

  9. 10/01/2024

    Medicare Assistance Programs

    Title: Medicare Assistance Programs SUMMARY As a contractor for Medicare, Acentra Health serves as the Beneficiary and Family Centered Care Quality Improvement Organization, also referred to as a BFCC-QIO. While Acentra Health provides BFCC-QIO services in 29 states, the general information is relevant to everyone who has Medicare (including Medicare Advantage) and everyone who works with people who have Medicare.  This episode is a conversation with our guest, Jeff Young, an Outreach and Education Specialist on the Local Engagement and Administration team at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in Region 10, which services Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. His role includes working closely with Congressional offices as well as conducting presentations, trainings, and community events on Medicare Programs across the region. Additionally, he works extensively on several key CMS initiatives, including Medicare Open Enrollment, Health Insurance Marketplace, and Medicaid Renewals. He joined CMS as an intern while obtaining his MPA from Seattle University. Upon completion of his MPA in 2020, he rose to the role of Outreach Specialist and has conducted numerous presentations, reached underserved populations, and prides himself in providing excellent customer service and communication. For more information about Acentra Health BFCC-QIO, please visit https://www.acentraqio.com. KEY TOPICS  00:24: Overview, introduction of guest, Jeff Young 01:35: Medicare updates from the Inflation Reduction Act 05:30: New income guidelines 06:39: Getting help with your Part B premium 10:45: Summary and final thoughts SUBSCRIBE Subscribe to our newsletters: Case Review Connections, On the Healthcare Front at https://www.acentraqio.com/newsletters RESOURCES BFCC-QIO Information for stakeholders: www.acentraqio.com/partners BFCC-QIO Information for people who have Medicare: https://www.acentraqio.com/bene/helpline State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) and Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance Program (SHIBA): https://www.shiphelp.org/ Medicare: https://www.medicare.gov/   Music: Motivational Upbeat Corporate by RinkevichMusic https://soundcloud.com/rinkevichmusic https://protunes.net/ Video Link: https://bit.ly/3NNqGTs

    13 min

  10. 09/04/2024

    Intro to Acentra Health Services - Learn About our Free Services for Medicare Beneficiaries

    SUMMARY As a contractor for Medicare, Acentra Health serves as the Beneficiary and Family Centered Care Quality Improvement Organization, also referred to as a BFCC-QIO. While Acentra Health provides BFCC-QIO services in 29 states, the general information is relevant to everyone who has Medicare (including Medicare Advantage) and everyone who works with people who have Medicare.   This episode is a conversation with our guests from Acentra Health: Cheryl Cook, Program Director, Rose Hartnett, Operations Director for Appeals, and David Miller, Operations Director for Quality of Care and Immediate Advocacy.  In this podcast, our guests will share information about the free services available from Acentra Health.   For more information about Acentra Health BFCC-QIO, please visit www.acentraqio.com.  KEY TOPICS 00:23: Overview, introduction of guests  01:57: General information about the Beneficiary and Family Centered Care Quality Improvement Organization (BFCC-QIO)  05:47: Acentra Health’s appeal process  08:36: New Immediate Advocacy Discharge Assistance (IADA) program  13:12: Quality of Care complaints and the Immediate Advocacy process  20:00: Case Status tool  21:18: Summary and final thoughts  SUBSCRIBE Subscribe to our newsletters: Case Review Connections, On the Healthcare Front  RESOURCES BFCC-QIO Information for stakeholders: www.acentraqio.com/partners BFCC-QIO Information for people who have Medicare: www.acentraqio.com/bene YouTube channel  Music: Motivational Upbeat Corporate by RinkevichMusic https://soundcloud.com/rinkevichmusic https://protunes.net/   Video Link: https://bit.ly/3NNqGTs

    24 min

  11. 07/11/2024

    Medicare 101 - Learn About the Basics of Medicare

    SUMMARY  As a contractor for Medicare, Acentra Health serves as the Beneficiary and Family Centered Care Quality Improvement Organization, also referred to as a BFCC-QIO. While Acentra Health provides BFCC-QIO services in 29 states, the general information is relevant to everyone who has Medicare (including Medicare Advantage) and everyone who works with people who have Medicare.   This episode is a conversation with our guest, Juan Garcia, Health Insurance Specialist for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Region 10. He has a primary focus on establishing and maintaining positive, collaborative relationships with stakeholders in the Latino and Asian Pacific Islanders Communities in WA, OR, ID, and AK, Language Access Project. He is also the Liaison for the State Health Insurance Programs in Region 10. He serves as CMS Regional Chair for the Employee Resource Group (ERG). Juan has worked for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services since 1997. He received his BA from Eastern Washington University in Sociology and Social Work in 1989, and he received his Master's in Public Administration with an emphasis in Health Care Management in 1996 from Eastern Washington University.   In this podcast, Mr. Garcia will share information about the parts of Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans, Medigap policies, and benefit periods/reserve days.   For more information about Acentra Health BFCC-QIO, please visit www.acentraqio.com.  KEY TOPICS 00:24: Overview, introduction of guest, Juan Garcia 01:47: Intro to the parts of Medicare 10:10: Medicare Advantage plans 13:25: Medigap policies 14:52: Benefit periods/reserve days 16:53: Summary and final thoughts  SUBSCRIBE Subscribe to our newsletters: Case Review Connections, On the Healthcare Front.  RESOURCES BFCC-QIO Information for stakeholders: www.acentraqio.com/partners  BFCC-QIO Information for people who have Medicare: www.acentraqio.com/bene  Office of the Insurance Commissioner: www.insurance.wa.gov/  State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) and Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance Program (SHIBA): www.shiphelp.org/  Medicare: www.medicare.gov    Music: Motivational Upbeat Corporate by RinkevichMusic https://soundcloud.com/rinkevichmusic https://protunes.net/ Video Link: https://bit.ly/3NNqGTs

    19 min
  • 11 Episodes

About

This podcast will cover topics of interest to people who have Medicare. Episodes will include Medicare rights and health care. We hope you tune in for helpful tips that can improve the healthcare journey of you or someone you know. Kepro is now Acentra Health. All future podcast episodes will say "Acentra Health" - while older episodes (those posted prior to July 1, 2024) will refer to "Kepro." Rest assured, that all content about our free services for people who have Medicare are accurate. Our name has changed, but our services remain exactly the same.Acentra Health is a Beneficiary and Family Centered Care Quality Improvement Organization, also referred to as a BFCC-QIO. For more information about Acentra Health, please visit www.acentraqio.com.

Information

  • Creator
    Acentra QIO Communications
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Aging Health Matters
  • Show Website
    Aging Health Matters

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada