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THE NEBRASKA HEALTH INSURANCE INFORMATION, COUNSELING, AND ASSISTANCE (NICA) PROGRAM

DECEMBER 1998 NICA NEWS

GOLD RECORDS

Record #72 (Chase)/98/9 (Volunteer E. Hines): Client is 90 years old and has trouble walking. Therefore, a walker was purchased through a salesman. The volunteer and the client felt the walker was too big for the client. After trying the walker for one month, the client said it just won't work - it was too big. The company told the volunteer they would not take back the walker as Medicare was already billed and it was too much hassle to return the walker and exchange it. (Time=7 hours; $37.36)

The NICA volunteer kept after the company. After being told it was too much hassle to return the walker, the volunteer was told they only carried one type of walker. In addition to the wrong size of walker being given, there was also a question of payment. The home office stated they had not received payment, yet the client wrote a check for $37.36 more than what the EMOB showed the company should have received.

A month later a walker had been given that fit the client, but the walker is still without the necessary wheels. Therefore, at this time, the volunteer is still trying to obtain the money for the client and the proper type of walker.

The NICA volunteer will continue to work on the situation until it is resolved in the client's best interest.

Record #91 (Arthur)/98/9 (Volunteer C. Cerny) used the purple tent cards she received in the packet mailing to distribute to the local Senior Meal sites. She put a card on each table and was told that individuals would contact her at a later date.

Way to go, Volunteer! This is the way we can help in getting the word out about NICA. It is especially useful when the volunteer is seen at the sites and is known because the seniors have a familiar face to call.