The June meeting of The Right Informationand Direction featured a presentation by Senior Medicare Patrol volunteer Elsie Quinn.

Quinn said $60 billion is lost to Medicare fraud each year.

SMP educates senior citizens on ways to detect and prevent Medicare fraud. Quinn also distributed a packet containing the names and contact numbers of agencies who assist seniors seeking services ranging from free legal aid to avoiding telemarketers. She then outlined precautions senior citizens may employ to protect themselves from becoming fraud victims.

Quinn warned against accepting "free" services or medical equipment, keeping Social Security cards in wallets or purses and discarding forms containing Social Security numbers.

Organizations offering free medical supplies often request a Medicare number and then secretly bill Medicare. Since Medicare pays for many items, such as wheelchairs, only once, the client must pay for any replacements or upgrades.

Quinn advised patients to depend on their doctors to prescribe appropriate medical supplies. She also stressed thieves use Social Security numbers to access their victims' finances.

To protect against identity theft, Quinn advised against keeping Social Security cards in items such as wallets or purses which may be lost or stolen and shred documents containing Social Security numbers before discarding them. Anyone with concerns about potential fraud or seeking more information may call SMP at 800-356-3606. This free service is not automated; a volunteer will always answer.

Quinn closed her presentation by reiterating Medicare fraud hurts eveyone because "In the long run, it's your money."

Doris Stearns, director of constituent concerns for Senator Pat Browne, R-xx, then explained the Pennsylvania Treasury Department's policy for returning unclaimed property.

One in 10 Pennsylvanians has unclaimed property. The Treasury's database, which may be accessed at www.patreasury.gov, provides a list of those with unclaimed assets. For further information contact Senator Browne's office or call the toll free hotline 800-222-2046.

The meeting closed with an update on Project Lifesaver. Martha Leiberman, in conjunction with Allentown Police Chief Reinick, will be conducting interviews. Those who qualify for the program pay a one time equipment fee of $350. Clients will then be assessed approximately $50 a year to cover the cost of batteries. Lieberman will also be meeting with Emmaus Police Department Chief David Faust about initiating the program in the borough.

In addition, Lehigh Valley Aging in Place is providing financial support for Project Lifesaver. This year's LVAIP gala includes a silent auction and treasure chest. Funds from these activities not needed to cover gala expenses will be donated to Project Lifesaver.

Triad meets 3 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month in the Lehigh County Senior Citizens Center, 1633 Elm St., Allentown. All senior citizens are invited.