Medicare Scams – Be Vigilant
One of our clients just got scammed today. He received a phone call asking if he received his new Medicare card and he gave out his personal information believing it was a legitimate call. The scammers enrolled him in a Medicare Advantage plan and he lost his stand-alone prescription drug plan. He is currently struggling with health issues and we are working hard trying to get him back on his drug plan. Here is some information about scams in the Medicare field right now. It is a long read, but worth your time. Staying vigilant and knowing what red flags to look for can help you or your loved one stay safe. Please call us if you have any questions or concerns.
How can I protect myself from Medicare scams?
Avoid sharing your Medicare number with people who contact you out of the blue: Do not provide your Medicare card, Medicare Number, Social Security card, or Social Security Number to anyone but your doctor, pharmacy, or people who work with Medicare to assist beneficiaries. These numbers should be protected just like you would protect your credit card, debit card, or bank account information. It’s important to know Medicare will not call you unless you’ve specifically asked for help. And if they do call you in response to a request, they will not need your information since they’ll already have it on file.
Does your caller ID show a legitimate-looking phone number? Don’t be fooled. Scammers can spoof their number to make it look like the call is coming from a government agency or other known organization. Also, don’t be surprised if the caller has some basic information about you. With the internet, those details are easy to find today. If someone unfamiliar calls asking you for personal details, simply hang up.
Do not click on suspicious links: Criminals create fake email addresses to make it appear messages are coming directly from Medicare. These emails may send you to a website that looks authentic. Do not respond to unexpected emails or text messages or click on any links they contain—even if the communication looks real.
Do not be afraid of threats to terminate benefits: If you qualify for Medicare, your benefits will not be taken away for reasons like not signing up for a certain plan.
Do not speak to anyone who tries to persuade you to choose a certain plan: Ignore claims that any policy is “preferred by Medicare,” since Medicare does not endorse a specific plan.
Destroy your old Medicare card: Some scammers may claim you need to return your old card; however, this is not true. Once you receive a new Medicare card, your old one is not needed. Destroy it with scissors or a shredder and start using the replacement immediately.
Protect your medical records: Do not allow anyone but your doctor or other health care providers to review your personal medical information.
Do not accept unauthorized genetic testing kits: If you receive a genetic testing kit in the mail that was not ordered by your doctor, refuse the delivery outright or return it to the sender.
What are the warning signs of Medicare scams?
- Promises of free items or services: Be suspicious of any offers involving no-cost medical supplies, medical care, or prescription medications. Many scammers will offer older adults’ valuable medical equipment, persuade them to share their Medicare number, and then use that information to file high-cost Medicare claims in the beneficiary’s name. Also, beware of offers for free genetic testing or screenings that were not ordered by your physician. This is a known Medicare scam.
- Pressure to switch your Medicare plan: A scammer, often claiming to be from Medicare, may say you’re “pre-approved” for a new health care plan or drug plan with lower premiums or better benefits. They may tell you there’s a fee to enroll in this new plan.
- Notices to renew or upgrade your Medicare card: A fraudster may call and say you need to activate, renew, or upgrade your Medicare card. They may ask for your Medicare number to “verify” your account, or they may request that you pay a processing fee.
- Threats to cancel your coverage: You may receive a call stating there’s a problem with your Medicare account, such as fraudulent activity. The caller says your benefits will be canceled if you don’t immediately verify your personal information or join a new plan.
- Claims you’re eligible for a refund: Another common Medicare scam tactic is telling older adults they qualify for a refund due to changes in their plan. The scammer may ask for your Medicare number—and even your bank account details.
If you believe you’ve been involved in a Medicare scam, take action by reporting it: