6 “Nevers” to Protect Yourself from Medicare Fraud
As the American population gets older, scams against seniors continue to run rampant. 3.5 older Americans are subject to financial exploitation every year, and this fraud hits seniors in their own pockets.
As a senior, you have the power to take control of your circumstances and prevent Medicare fraud. While it is often said to “never say never”, there are a few “nevers” that you can remember to keep yourself protected when it comes to Medicare fraud.
1. Medicare will NEVER call you
Medicare will never call you except for limited circumstances, like when you call 1-800MEDICARE and request a call back. If a person calls you unsolicited and states that they are from Medicare, hang up immediately. If Medicare needs to reach you, they will most likely reach you by mail.
2. NEVER give your Medicare number to a stranger over the phone
Protect your Medicare number like you would your bank account or credit card number. A common scam is to tell you that your Medicare benefits are set to expire or the callers needs your Medicare or social security number to send you a new card. Both requests are cons – hang up immediately.
3. You should NEVER feel pressured to enroll in or change your Medicare plans
You may receive calls stating that there are new Medicare plans available that are “better” than your plan or offer benefits that you are missing. These are often thirdparty sales agents trying to sell you a plan at all costs with no regard to your needs. Changing your plan could mean your doctor not accepting your plan or your medications not being covered. If this happens, you will be stuck with no one to call and help. The agent that sold you the plan is long gone.
If you have questions about a new plan that might be offered, call a local trusted Medicare agent to ask questions. Working with a local agent costs you nothing, and you can be sure you have someone to turn to when you need help.
4. NEVER accept “free” medical supplies or medical care
Another frequent scheme is the offer of free medical supplies or a free medical checkup because “Medicare will cover it”. These offers will usually require that you provide your Medicare or social security number and even a credit card number to cover shipping. This is usually a scam to get your personal information and can result in fraudulent claims or credit card charges.
5. Medicare will NEVER come to your home uninvited
Medicare representatives will not come to your home without prior authorization to sell products or services. Anyone that may knock on your door is not a representative of Medicare and is most likely a sales agent. While there may be legitimate sales agents going door to door, be wary of letting anyone in your home that you were not expecting, especially if they are asking for personal information like your Medicare number.
6. NEVER post personal information online
Have you ever seen quizzes on social media asking, “Where were you born?” or “What was your first pet’s name?” While these quizzes might be fun to answer, they are often security questions asked by many websites to change a forgotten password. Once fraudsters have your security answers, they can use this information to change passwords to important online accounts like Medicare, Social Security, or your bank. Be careful about posting this information online or consider using fake answers when filling out security questions.
While there are many scams out there, staying vigilant can protect you from a situation that could devastate your finances. If you are the victim of Medicare fraud, be sure to report it at Medicare.gov. You can also report a stolen identity at the Federal Trade Commission.
Stay safe out there!
About the Author: Kristen Maurice, Certified Senior Advisor, is a licensed Medicare broker out of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. She specializes in assisting seniors with Medicare questions and enrollment. She is licensed in 10 states and is available to assist seniors at no charge. For more information, visit her website at AcuityHealthAdvisors.com or call 615-919-1009.