Florida State Wide
By Blanca Taylor
Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Social Security and Medicare are both programs that are household names, but do you know the true difference? Both programs help safeguard millions of Americans as well as improve the quality of life for their family and friends. While Social Security offers retirement, disability, and survivors benefits, Medicare provides health insurance.
Medicare is our country’s health insurance program for people age 65 or older and younger people receiving Social Security disability benefits. The program helps with the cost of health care, but it doesn’t cover all medical expenses or the cost of most long-term care.
When you first enroll in Medicare and during certain times of the year, you can choose how you get your Medicare coverage. There are 2 main ways to get Medicare: Continue reading
By Blanca Taylor
Social Security Public Affairs Specialist
Scammers have become more aggressive and sophisticated in the digital age. With millions of people relying on Social Security and Medicare, scammers target audiences who are looking for legitimate program and benefit information. Scammers sometimes try to scare people into giving out their personal information. Never give someone who called you any personal information unless you absolutely know who they are.
The law that addresses misleading Social Security and Medicare advertising prohibits people or non-government businesses from using words or emblems that mislead others. Their advertising can’t claim that they represent, are somehow affiliated with, or are endorsed or approved by Social Security or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (Medicare). Continue reading
On August 19, 2019, in News Releases, by Staff
Fort Myers, Fla. — Today, Governor DeSantis announced that Hurricane Irma costs in Florida have reached $2.63 billion, triggering an increase in the federal cost share from 75 percent to 90 percent. Along with this announcement, Governor DeSantis submitted a letter to President Trump officially requesting this increase in the federal cost share, which will save the state and local governments more than $160 million. Read more at https://www.flgov.com/2019/08/19/governor-ron-desantis-announces-threshold-met-for-increased-federal-cost-share-for-hurricane-irma/
Tallahassee, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointments of Dr. Zachariah Zachariah, Dr. Scott Ackerman and Dr. David Diamond to the Florida Board of Medicine.
Dr. Zachariah Zachariah
Zachariah, of Fort Lauderdale, is a cardiologist and internal medicine doctor. He is the Medical Director at UHealth Cardiology, Fort Lauderdale and a member of the clinical faculty at the University of Miami. He received his medical degree from the Armed Forces Medical College in India and completed his residency at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center. He served as Chairman of the Florida Board of Medicine from 1990-1992, 2000-2001 and 2013-2014. Zachariah is appointed to a four-year term. Continue reading
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—As millions of Florida children begin a new school year, Attorney General Ashley Moody is reaching out directly to students and parents with tips and resources. The weeklong #BackToSchoolOAG campaign will provide information about internet safety, the dangers of drug use, risks associated with vaping and more.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “This week, millions of children and teens in Florida will head back to school, and with a new academic year comes new risks and challenges that parents may not be thinking about. Online games and apps can create a venue for human traffickers to stalk children, drugs pose a major health threat, and the alarming increase in teen vaping cannot be ignored.
“Through #BackToSchoolOAG, I hope we can reach parents and students as the academic year begins to encourage a continuous, open dialogue about some of the extremely important challenges facing Florida students today.” Continue reading
Dear Friends,
My words today will be shorter than usual, but no less meaningful than in previous months. Firstly, thank you for your continued engagement and devotion to our great nation and the principles on which it was founded. Faith, family, freedom, opportunity and life itself are under attack each day from socialist radicals who want to see individual liberty and responsibility exterminated. We must continue to fight for our God-given rights for the sake of our children and grandchildren. Continue reading
Defining the Rule of Charge
At a recent White House briefing Acting USCIS Director Ken Cuccinelli announced the definition of the Rule of Charge to mean, people coming to this country may not get food stamps and use public housing. They must depend on their own resources sponsors or family but not from the United States Government.
Ocoee, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced a plan to significantly expand Florida’s electric vehicle infrastructure by increasing the number of charging stations along major thoroughfares throughout the state.
“As electric cars become more prevalent on our roads and highways, the development of these charging stations is essential to the success of our ever-evolving transportation system,” said Governor DeSantis. “The addition of these stations will encourage Floridians to buy more electric vehicles, improve air quality, assist during disaster evacuations and ensure that Florida is prepared as electric vehicle technology continues to advance.”
The plan will be funded in part by the 2018 multi-state Volkswagen Settlement, of which Florida was allotted $166 million to improve air quality. While Florida is home to some of the best air quality in the nation, this funding will allow for significant investment to reduce diesel emissions and expand the infrastructure for electric vehicles. Florida’s beneficiary mitigation plan for how the State intends to spend the full $166 million is now available for public comment. Continue reading
Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution announced a 40-year prison sentence for a defendant found guilty of a gun store burglary. James Moore previously entered an open plea to burglary of a structure while using a vehicle as an instrument and 35 counts of grand theft of a firearm. Moore is one of a larger group based in Orlando, using stolen vehicles to facilitate several types of smash-and-dash burglaries. The 20-member group stole from department and retail stores to steal guns, jewelry, electronics, sporting goods and more. Thursday, Judge Frances Perrone sentenced Moore to 40 years in prison.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “These criminals deliberately wrecked a Tampa store to steal firearms. Not only did they steal property, they also stole a sense of security from the surrounding neighborhood. I applaud the great work of my Office of Statewide Prosecution securing this strong prison sentence and continuing to seek prison time for the remaining defendants.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Summer is the most popular time of year to move, and Attorney General Ashley Moody is issuing a Consumer Alert to help Floridians avoid scams during this busy moving season. A common moving scam involves companies agreeing to a price for service, loading a consumer’s personal belongings and then demanding more money before delivering the property. Sometimes this tactic involves charging additional fees supposedly based on the weight or volume of property moved or other factors not previously disclosed.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Moving can be a stressful experience. Scammers know this and exploit an already tense situation to coerce consumers into paying increased costs or fees just to get through the process or to have their possessions safely returned. Before moving, do your research and take steps to ensure you do not fall victim to disreputable household movers.” Continue reading
