 Friday, November 17, 2023
Thank you for being our public health heroes
 On the Monday before Thanksgiving, leading public health organizations take the time to say “thank you” to public health heroes who protect us from viruses, lead poisoning, food-borne illnesses, and other health threats.
Our dedicated team at Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness, work tirelessly on a wide range of public safety measures, from research into diseases to ensuring communities have access to healthy foods and promoting healthy lifestyles. Our employees are driven to maintain a healthy Louisville where everyone and every community thrives.
“I am proud to work in public health and grateful for our 300+ team members who are committed to helping the residents of Louisville live healthier, longer lives through the work they do every day," said Interim Chief Health Strategist Connie Mendel. "The sheer number and complexity of public health challenges confronting our community, nation and world have only reinforced the tremendous value of a strong public health workforce.”
Medicare open enrollment is available until Dec. 7
Tips can help older adults protect themselves against scams
Medicare loses between $60 billion and $90 billion per year due to fraud. The mission of Kentucky Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) is to empower and assist Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to prevent, detect, and report health care fraud, errors, and abuse.
Fraud prevention is key. All that a scammer or fraudster needs to commit fraud is your Medicare number and date of birth. The following are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Never give out personal information over the phone and protect your Medicare number like it is a credit card.
- Avoid answering your phone, if you don’t recognize the number, as scammers are highly skilled at making themselves seem legitimate.
- Any legitimate medical provider or professional will leave a message you can return.
- Our biggest line of defense against Medicare fraud is to read all billing statements (Medicare Summary Notices or Explanation of Benefits). Ensure that all information is correct and matches your personal records of services received during that time.
- If you are unsure about anything Medicare related or have any questions, don’t hesitate to call the KY SMP toll free at 1-877-603-6558.
Open Enrollment for Medicare is Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. Older adults are especially vulnerable of fraud and scams during this period. Many adults will receive mail, phone calls, emails, and TV advertisements about a variety of plans and coverage options. Insurance agents are not permitted to call you without your permission; however, they are allowed to send you emails and mail with an opt-out option. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is tightening up marketing guidelines to decrease unwanted calls. Beware of scam callers who impersonate insurance agents. Seek a trusted representative to guide you through the enrollment process.
KY SMP provides a toll-free number (877-603-6558) to answer questions regarding suspected Medicare fraud and/or scams. If your Medicare number is compromised or you find services on your billing statement you didn’t receive, please call us for support and guidance.
For more information, please visit Senior Medicare Patrol and National SMP.
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Your questions answered: How do I
obtain a paternity affidavit?
The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) can assist parents with obtaining a paternity affidavit by calling 502-574-6596 to schedule an appointment. Walk-in services are not available. Both parents need to be present and have an ID to complete the affidavit. Their signatures must be notarized. LMPHW has a notary service we can provide at your appointment.
Another option to obtain a paternity affidavit is for parents to print the online Paternity Affidavit form, have it notarized themselves, then mail it to the KY Office of Vital Statistics, 275 East Main St., 1 E-A, Frankfort, KY 4621.
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Free training for Community Health Workers
 If you are a Community Health Worker (CHW), the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness is sponsoring 40 hours of free training for you from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. beginning on Dec. 4 in the Gheens Room at the Louisville Zoo. The last day of training is Dec. 8.
A CHW advocates for patients in medical settings and connects them to a wide range of resources and services.
This training will be provided by the Appalachian Kentucky Health Care Access Network (AKHCAN). AKHCAN is approved by the Kentucky Office of Community Health Workers (KOCHW), to deliver the 40 hours of foundational training required for CHW Certification.
The goal of this training is to provide CHWs with information, resources, and skill-building opportunities applicable to their work. This training includes lectures, group
discussions, activities, and outside assignments.
To register, please email Claudia Peralta-Mudd at claudia.peralta-mudd@louisvilleky.gov by Nov. 20. Space is limited.
Learn more about who we are and what we do
Your opinion matters to us
We want to hear from you.
Please take a few minutes to complete our annual Customer Satisfaction Survey (CSS), which is running through Dec. 31. The primary aim of the CSS is to assess the degree of client satisfaction with LMPHW’s services.
If you have recently interacted with us or received a service from us, please complete this survey to help us improve the quality of the information and services we provide. Your participation is greatly appreciated!
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