Retired Public Employees Council of WA Working to protect and enhance the pension and health care benefits of Washington retired state, county and local government employees
RPEC Weekly ACTION Newsletter – 3-27-2020
In This Edition
- Governor Inslee Announces “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” Order
- RPEC Council Office Closure Extended
- Beware of Medicare coronavirus scams
- WA State COVID-19 Website
- Stay safe and well
Governor Inslee Announces “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” Order
On Monday, March 23rd, Governor Inslee spoke directly to Washingtonians to announce he will sign a statewide order that requires everyone in the state to stay home. The order will last for two weeks through April 6th and could be extended.
This Stay Home, Stay Healthy order is similar to orders that other governors, in places such as California and New York, issued last week.
This proclamation will:
- Require every Washingtonian to stay home unless they need to pursue an essential activity.
- Ban all gatherings for social, spiritual and recreational purposes.
- Close all businesses except essential businesses.
“The less time we spend in public, the more lives we will save,” Inslee said.
The proclamation states it’s still safe for people to go outside as long as they remain at least six feet from each other. Grocery stores, doctor’s offices and other essential businesses will remain open.
This link has a complete list of all essential businesses that will remain open: https://coronavirus.wa.gov/whats-open-and-closed/essential-business
People can still participate in activities such as bike rides, gardening, and dog walking — as long as they follow social distancing rules.
RPEC Council Office Closure Extended
Based on the Governor’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order, the RPEC Council Office will remain closed through April 6th. The office closure could be extended based on further guidance from public officials.
During this time, RPEC staff will have the ability to conduct key work functions remotely from home. We will not be able to receive phone calls from our standard office phone numbers, but we will be regularly checking voicemails. If you have an urgent and time sensitive request, please email us at info@rpecwa.org.
Beware of Medicare Coronavirus Scams
From SHIBA: Medicare beneficiaries are starting to receive robocalls about “special virus kits.” The scammer asks the person for their Medicare number so they can send them a “free” test.
If you receive this type of call, hang up immediately and do not provide them with any information! It’s a scam to get your private personal information.
Remember to follow these tips to protect yourself:
- Do not give out your Medicare number or Social Security number. Be cautious of unsolicited requests for your Medicare or Social Security numbers. If your personal information is compromised, it may be used in other fraud schemes.
- Do not consent to any virus tests over the phone or at senior centers, health fairs, or in your home. If you think you need the test, talk to your doctor.
- Monitor your Medicare Summary Notice to see if there are any services you didn’t have or didn’t want but were billed for. Medicare Summary Notices are sent every three months if you get any services or medical supplies during that three-month period.
SHIBA is Washington state’s Senior Medicare Patrol project. We can help clients prevent, detect and report Medicare and Medicaid fraud and abuse. If you have questions or suspect fraud or abuse, contact us online or call 1-800-562-6900 and ask to speak with SHIBA.
WA State COVID-19 Website
Washington State launched at comprehensive informational website pertaining to COVID-19 and specific information related Washington State. This is a great source of information regarding the disease, news and closures around the state. You can find this at: https://coronavirus.wa.gov/
Stay safe and well!
And finally, during this crisis, you may find yourself feeling anxious, angry, sad, or overwhelmed. In a message from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) try and find ways to reduce your stress to help yourself and the people you care about.
- Make time to unwind and do activities you enjoy.
- Talk with family and friends by phone, text, or email.
- If you or a loved one is feeling overwhelmed, get support 24/7 by calling 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746.
And Finally
Actor Matthew McConaughey uploaded an uplifting personal video to his Twitter account earlier this week that has gone viral, speaking to people about the Coronavirus and the need for people to stay home, yet come together as one. Stay healthy, everyone!
