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Attorney General Andy Beshear recently announced his office is returning over $12 million to state and federal Medicaid programs to resolve multistate claims that pharmaceutical company Mylan Inc. violated federal law by knowingly misclassifying EpiPen and EpiPen Jr. as a generic drug to avoid paying higher rebates owed to Medicaid.
Under the $12.2 million Kentucky settlement, $8.5 million will be returned to the federal Medicaid program and $3.7 million will be returned to Kentucky’s Medicaid program.
“Medicaid and its expansion provide a critical service that helps Kentucky’s most vulnerable citizens,” Beshear said. “As Attorney General, I am committed to holding any company that defrauds Medicaid accountable. The actions of companies like Mylan defraud not only the government but the people government serves.”
According to the $465 million nationwide settlement, Mylan demanded massive price increases in the private market while avoiding its corresponding rebate obligations to Medicaid from 2010-2017 by erroneously reporting EpiPen as a generic drug despite the absence of any therapeutically equivalent drugs.
Federal law requires companies of single-source, or brand name, drugs to pay higher rebates to Medicaid.
Beshear’s Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Unit is charged with investigating and prosecuting any health care provider who fraudulently bills or abuses the Medicaid system.
To date, Beshear’s office has obtained settlements that will return over $64 million to taxpayers through recoveries of state and federal Medicaid funds, Medicare funds, and other funds through civil settlements and obligations of criminal restitution.
For more information or to report provider fraud, contact the Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Control Division at 877-228-7384.
Photo: Veterans Community Alliance of Louisville
Mayor Greg Fischer and the Veterans Community Alliance of Louisville today announced the fourth annual Mayor’s Week of Valor — a series of events to honor and celebrate the contributions and sacrifices of active-duty military, veterans and their families.
Coinciding with Veterans Day, the 2017 Week of Valor will feature 18 educational, patriotic, community or civic events from Saturday through Nov. 18. Citizens are encouraged to recognize, support and honor veterans.
“The Week of Valor is a special and exciting time to focus on contributions veterans make to our community, to educate the public about issues important to veterans, and to bring residents together to celebrate and honor the service of our military veterans,” Mayor Greg Fischer said. “It’s our goal to make Louisville the most supportive and responsive community in the nation for our veterans.”
Events include a Kentucky Veterans of the Year Banquet on Nov. 6 and the World War I 100th Anniversary Tribute Display on Nov. 11.
Also on Saturday, Nov. 11, the city’s Veterans Day Parade will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in downtown Louisville on Main Street, from Third to Sixth streets. The parade welcomes all military personnel and veterans, either in groups or as individuals, to participate. There is no cost to enter; participants are asked to contact louvetparade@gmail.com or 502-297-2143. More information can be found here.
(Full schedule of Week of Valor events)
Also new this year is a free Week of Valor app available for the iPhoneand Android, and supported by the Veterans Community Alliance of Louisville (VCAL).
2017 Week of Valor Events
- Project Hero Cycling Event
- Saturday, Nov. 4 from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Located at the Robley Rex VA Medical Center, 800 Zorn Ave., Louisville, KY 40206. Contact: Crystal Woodard (502)287-5606 or crystalwoodard@va.gov
- 5th Annual Masons in the Military Recognition Event
- Sunday, Nov. 5 from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Located at the African American Heritage Center, 1701 West Muhammad Ali Blvd., Louisville, KY 40203. Contact: Shedrick Jones (502)592-1475 or sjjer@aol.com
- TSES Veteran Job Fair
- Monday, Nov. 6 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Located at the Robley Rex VA Medical Center, 800 Zorn Ave., Louisville, KY 40206. Contact: Stacey Norris (502)287-4230 or stacy.norris@va.gov or visit www.louisville.va.gov
- 2017 Kentucky Veterans of the Year Banquet
- Monday, Nov. 6 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Located at the Brown and Williamson Club, 2800 South Floyd St., Louisville, KY 40209. Tickets are $35. Contact: John Mustain (502) 413- 1250 or jmustain@efky.org or visit www.kentuckyveteransoftheyear.org
- Hosparus Health Veterans Memorial Dedication
- Tuesday, Nov. 7, 1 p.m. Located at 3532 Ephraim McDowell Dr., Louisville, KY 40205. Contact: Gwen Cooper (502)272-7027 or gcooper@hosparus.org
- Student and Alumni Veterans and Military Event
- Wednesday, Nov. 8 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Located at Bellarmine University, 2001 Newburg Rd… Louisville, KY 40205. Contact: Rick Brown (502)272-7027 or rbrown@bellarmine.edu or visit http://bellarmine.edu
- 2017 Indiana Veterans of the Year Banquet
- Thursday, Nov. 9 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Located at The Grand Theatre, 138 Market St., New Albany 47150. Tickets are $35. Contact: Mike Mustain (502)637-4440 or mike@indianaveteransoftheyear.org or visit www.indianaveteransoftheyear.org
- Be at Ease
- Thursday, Nov. 9 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Located at Tim Faulkner Gallery, 1512 Portland Ave. Louisville, KY 40203. $25 ticket must be purchased ahead of time. Contact: Anressa Collard (812)329-0244 or adressa@dogshelpingheros.org.
- 7th Annual Veterans Day Parade
- Saturday, Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Located on Main Street, from 3rd to 6th St. Contact: Dell Courtney (502) 297-2143 orlouvetparade@gmail.com or visit www.louvetparade.com
- 22 Push-up Challenge
- Saturday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m. Located at Waggener High School, 330 South Hubbards Ln., St. Matthews, KY 20207. Contact: Patty Gregory (502)589-8600 or patty.gregory@centerstone.org or visit www.centerstoneky.org
- Military Appreciation Day
- Saturday, Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Located at VFW Post 2921, 2902 7th Street Rd., Louisville, KY 40216. Contact: John Wingfield (502)381-1621 or cbt91e@yahoo.com
- World War I 100th Anniversary Tribute Display
- Saturday Nov., 11 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Located at VFW Post 2921, 2902 7th Street Rd., Louisville, KY 40216. Contact: John Wingfield (502)381-1621 or cbt91e@yahoo.com
- Annual Veterans Day Luncheon
- Saturday, Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Located at VFW Post 2921, 2902 7th Street Rd., Louisville, KY 40216. Contact: John Wingfield (502)381-1621 or cbt91e@yahoo.com
- Annual Veterans Day Dance and USO Benefit
- Saturday, Nov. 11 from 5 p.m. to midnight. Located at VFW Post 2921, 2902 7th Street Rd., Louisville, KY 40216. Cost is $5, but military/veterans in uniform enter for free. Contact: John Wingfield (502)381-1621 or cbt91e@yahoo.com
- Churchill Downs Military and Veterans Appreciation Day at the Races
- Saturday, Nov. 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Located at Churchill Downs, 700 Central Ave, Louisville, KY 40208. Admission is free with military ID. Contact: Churchill Downs (502)636-4450 or john.asher@kyderby.com
- 2017 VA Welcome Home Event
- Saturday, Nov. 11 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Located at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium, 2800 South Floyd St., Louisville, KY 40209. Contact: Crystal Woodard (502)287-5606 or crystal.woodard1@va.gov or visit www.louisville.va.gov
- Family, Food & Fellowship Dinner
- Friday, Nov. 17 from 5:40 p.m. to 8 p.m. Located at 4019 Dixie Highway, Louisville, KY 40216. Contact: Chris Johnson (502)222-3477 or csncfj05@aol.com or visit www.mentalhealth.com
- The Middletown 2nd Annual Night of Heroes
- Saturday, Nov. 18 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Located at the Jeffersontown Community Center, 10617 Taylorsville Rd., Louisville, KY 40299. Cost is $20 per person. Contact: middletownchamberofcommerce@yahoo.com
The Mayor’s Week of Valor is supported by the Veterans Community Alliance of Louisville (VCAL). VCAL is an initiative launched in 2014 by a group of young professionals participating in Leadership Louisville’s IGNITE program in conjunction with Volunteers of America of Kentucky and Seven Counties Services. Now operating with an advisory board comprised of more than two dozen individuals representing corporate, non-profit, government and civic organizations, VCAL’s mission is to create an integrated network of support for veterans and their families by coordinating services, resources and initiatives to increase communication across organizational lines, enhance quality and delivery of service and promote veteran-friendly community relations in Louisville.
To learn more about Mayor’s Week of Valor events and the Veterans Community Alliance of Louisville, visit www.vcalouisville.org.
Each year shoppers look forward to the North American Marketplace, which takes place exclusively during the North American International Livestock Exposition. The marketplace is located in the North Wing of the Kentucky Exposition Center and is open daily Nov. 4-9 and 12-16 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. There are extended hours Nov. 10-11 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The North American Marketplace features more than 200,000 square feet of exhibit space and 200 vendors offering clothing, belt buckles, sweets, cowboy hats, arts and crafts, books, musical instruments, handcrafted furniture and jewelry. “Cowgirl chic” boutiques with the latest trends in western-style clothing and accessories round out the shopping experience.
All the latest products related to showing livestock are also available, including specialized vehicle trailers for transporting animals and livestock gear, such as bridles and saddles.
When it’s time to take a break from shopping, the food court offers something to tempt everyone’s taste buds – from pizza to pork chops.
Two other popular stops in the North Wing include:
- Art of Wool showcase, featuring displays and demonstrations by crafters, explains how wool goes from sheep to shawl.
- Children’s Barnyard provides opportunities for guests to interact with rabbits, mini-horses, lambs, newly-hatched ducklings and other baby animals.
North American Marketplace shoppers and expo visitors receive free admission and parking Nov. 7-8. All other days, admission to NAILE is $6 for adults and $3 for seniors (55 and older) and children (ages 2-12); parking is $8 daily.
The North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) is the largest all-breed, purebred livestock expo in the world and runs Oct. 31-Nov. 16 throughout the Kentucky Exposition Center.
For more information, visit www.livestockexpo.org.
A scam alert was issued by Attorney General Andy Beshear to warn Kentuckians about fraudulent advertisements placed in the classified section of local Kentucky newspapers and online.
Beshear said Kentuckains in several counties including Bath, Barren, Franklin and Jefferson have reported replying to classified ads for a deeply discounted John Deere tractor, Toyota or Chevrolet pickup truck that turned out to be a scam.
The complainants state that the classified ad appears normal at first and includes a price for the item and a contact phone number. Once an interested buyer places a call, however, they do not speak with anyone, but rather start receiving text messages or emails from a so-called Air Force Sergeant “Molly Carter” stationed at Cavalier AFB in North Dakota.
“Carter” claims she is selling the item at a deep discount because it belonged to her late husband, and she is leaving soon for an overseas deployment and cannot afford to keep it. “Carter” even offers to send detailed photos of the items and guarantees delivery once she receives payment.
“This scammer tells one of the cruelest stories we have heard,” Beshear said. “They lie about the death of a spouse and service to our county in order to profit off hardworking Kentucky families. While my office is working to track down this con artist, I want Kentuckians to be aware and avoid falling victim to this woeful scheme.”
Beshear’s office and the Kentucky Press Association (KPA) are working together to ensure all Kentucky newspapers are constantly on the alert for any kind of advertising that could be fraudulent and detrimental to their readers.
“We appreciate the Attorney General’s Office for being responsive to our inquiries about questionable ads,” said David T. Thompson, executive director of the Kentucky Press Association. “This is a constant concern of Kentucky newspapers and we will continue doing all that we can to protect Kentucky consumers. KPA notifies all newspapers when it is alerted to a scam ad being circulated widely, even in other states, and our Kentucky newspapers notify us when they receive a fraudulent ad. Not every single ad can be stopped, but for the ones that do end up being published there are perhaps a hundred that were caught before publication and thrown away.”
Beshear said his office has also verified with the Cavalier Air Force Base that a “Sergeant Molly Carter” is not a member of its installation. The military base also confirmed that it has received multiple complaints from across the country reporting the same scheme.
Beshear said while the current scam reports identify the name “Sergeant Molly Carter,” scammers constantly take on new identities and develop new plots, which is why verifying online private sellers is always tricky.
To help Kentuckians avoid falling victim to this type of scam, the Office of the Attorney General offers these initial tips:
Be wary of too-good-to-be-true prices
If a price of a product seems too good to be true, it probably is. Compare prices of identical goods online in order to see if you are getting a good deal verses being duped. For vehicle sales, request copies of titles and local tax receipts to help confirm the seller and vehicle’s legitimacy, and obtain the VIN number and run a vehicle history report.
Research the seller and attempt to view the product in person
Research the seller online and reject high-pressure sales tactics. Ask the seller if they are willing to meet you in a safe location to view the product in person – if they are unwilling, this is a warning sign that it could be a scam.
Only use verified methods of payment
Never wire money, use gift cards or reloadable cards, reputable sellers and companies do not use these methods of payment. You may also verify with the sales website if you are unsure of whether to proceed with the transaction.
Kentuckians who want assistance verifying a scam or reporting a scam can contact the Office of the Attorney General at 888-432-9257 or file a consumer complaint online.
To stay up to date on new and trending scams Kentuckians should sign up to receive Scam Alerts from the Office of the Attorney General. To enroll, text the words KYOAG Scam to GOV311 (468311), or enroll online at ag.ky.gov/scams and select text message or email alert.
Photo: Glenview Trust Enriching Life Series
With mega-hits including Surfin’ USA, Good Vibrations, I Get Around, and California Girls, The Beach Boys are an American institution that remains iconic around the world. The Beach Boys will be making another appearance in Louisville on May 13, 2018 in Whitney Hall.
Tickets are currently on sale to the public through The Kentucky Center Ticket Service online, by phone (584-7777), and at the box office.
Groups of 10-or-more save 10% on select seats. Call 566-5152 for details.
Almost everyone loves puppies; where there’s one, the ooh and aahs are sure to follow. But raising puppies comes with its own struggles. For first time pet owners, it can be too much work. Many people overlook older dogs, for the new puppy experience. The puppy stage doesn’t last long, so it may be more beneficial for new pet parents to adopt an older or senior citizen dogs. Check out our list of the Top Reasons to Adopt an Older Dog:
HOUSEBROKEN Most people work at least 8 hours or more a day. Puppies need a consistent schedule and trips outside to eliminate about every 2 hours. Their bladders are small so they can’t be expected to hold it until you get home. Most older dogs are already housebroken and they can hold it for longer periods of time, until someone comes home and lets them outside.
NO DESTROYED SHOES OR CLOTHES Puppies like to chew on things. Forget to leave out a chew toy and your brand new pair of heels may end up in the trash. When they are teething, nothing is safe no matter how closely you watch your puppy. That includes your socks, underwear, books, remote control, the couch cushions — the list goes on. Older dogs are less likely to destroy items throughout your home.
A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP Expect a puppy to be very demanding. That means waking up to whining at 2 am because he misses his littermates. You may have to take him out every morning at 4 am when his cries wake you up. On the plus side, you might be able to give your alarm clock a rest. Your puppy is your new alarm clock! Rescue an older dog and get a good night’s sleep, and more peace and quiet.
FINISH THAT NOVEL Trying to finish a good book or work from home? Expect plenty of interruptions with a puppy that wants all your attention. An older dog is likely to sit next to you while your focused on something else. Pet him while you’re reading after a long day of work to help ease your stress levels. If you have kids, they’ll be the only ones running amok in your house.
VET TRIPS Puppies need a series of puppy shots, fecal, testing, spayed or neutered. 1 or 2 emergency visits to vet because they swallowed something dangerous also are not uncommon. If you get a puppy, that adds up! Adopt an older dog who’s already had all their shots and been altered. You won’t spend as much time and money in the vet’s office.
WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET Your adorable puppy may not look the same as an adult dog. This is more likely to happen if you get a mixed breed puppy. Their personality may change as they grow older, and there’s no predicting how active they will be as an adult. Rescues and foster homes can help first time pet owners choose the right match. They often end up with dogs that owners surrender because the pet was wrongly matched. It’s much easier to predict how an older pet will act once you get her home.
NO TRAUMATIZED CHILDREN A teething puppy without a chew toy, or maybe no interest in chew toys, will chew on children and yourself. Panicked parents regularly call rescues to report the puppy bit their child. After asking a few questions, rescue groups often find the puppy is being nippy, with no intention of doing harm. Everything goes into the mouth of a growing puppy learning about the world. If not corrected early on, nipping from an adult dog will definitely hurt. Most older dogs have “been there, done that, and moved on.”
MATCHMAKER’S PERFECT MATCH Puppy love is often no more than an attachment to a look or a color. First time pet owners shouldn’t base their decision on those characteristics when choosing a dog they will love and care for 15 years or more. Will that puppy be active in adulthood; or couch potato, will he develop a deep attachment, follow you everywhere or prefer to be outdoors when you’re an inside person? Pet mismatches are one of the top reasons dogs are returned to shelters or rescues. A good rescue will have evaluated their adoptees and thoroughly reviewed an applicant’s background to ensure a successful match.
INSTANT COMPANION With an older dog, you automatically have a buddy that can go everywhere and do everything with you NOW. There’s no waiting for a puppy to grow up. You can select a dog that travels well or one that loves to play with your friends’ dog. Instead of coming home after a long day’s work to cleanup up after a puppy, you can spend your time on a relaxing walk, ride, or swim with your new best friend.
RESCUE DOG BOND. Older dogs who have been uprooted from their happy homes, or have not had the best start in life, and are more likely to bond completely and deeply with their new people. Those who have lost their families through death, divorce or lifestyle change go through a terrible mourning process. Once attached to a new loving family, they want to please as much as possible to make sure they are never homeless again. They know what life on the streets, life on the end of a chain, or worse is all about. Older dogs can be extremely loyal companions, so consider rescuing one.
Choosing a rescue dog over a purchased pup will not solve the pet overpopulation problem, but it does give many of them a chance they otherwise would not have. But, beyond doing a “good deed,” adopting a rescue can be the best decision and addition to the family you ever made.
To view adoptable pets with LMAS and Animal House, click here. For more information on how to adopt or to fill out an application, click here.
Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer today joined agency officials and public health advocates to remind those without health insurance that they can enroll for a Qualified Health Plan under the Affordable Care Act starting on Wednesday, Nov. 1.
The open enrollment period is much shorter than in years past, ending on Dec. 15.
“With all the news about what’s been going on and not going on in Washington in regard to the Affordable Care Act, people may not realize that they can still enroll,” the Mayor said. “This is quality insurance. It covers hospital stays, doctor visits, preventive screenings and well child visits. It even covers mental health and substance abuse treatment. So if you don’t have health insurance, enroll before December 15th. Better yet, don’t wait. Enroll this Wednesday. It may save your life!”
“Insurance under the Affordable Care Act is helping the people of our city to get healthier,” said Dr. Sarah Moyer, director of the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness. “More people are getting health screenings for things like breast cancer and high blood pressure, and death rates for cancer, heart disease and diabetes are going down. In the midst of the opioid crisis, it’s also more important than ever that people who need it have access to insurance that will cover drug treatment.”
To help people understand their options and enroll, in-person help is also available from unbiased, trained and certified application assistors provided by Family Health Centers, the Kentuckiana Regional Planning & Development Agency (KIPDA) the Park DuValle Community Health Center; and the Shawnee Christian Healthcare Center. To find an assistor go to Getcoveredlou.org.
“We encourage people to take advantage of the free help that’s available to them,” said Kelli Cauley, supervisor of the KIPDA Assister Program. “Our assisters can walk you through every step of the enrollment process. If you already have health insurance, we can help you look at your options. Plans, prices and financial assistance change every year so we can work with you to find the best plan for you and your family.”
People can also enroll at HealthCare.gov or at 1-800- 318-2596.
“Having health insurance under the Affordable Care Act is having a profound effect on the lives of real people throughout our city and our state,” said Emily Beauregard, executive director of Kentucky Voices for Health. “Access to long deferred health care is not only saving lives, its giving people job mobility and financial stability,” she said.
The open enrollment period from Nov. 1 to Dec. 15 is for Qualified Health Plans in the individual marketplace. Those with insurance under Medicaid can enroll throughout the year and, for those wishing to change provider plans, a separate open enrollment period will be announced.
