Open enrollment for Medicare recipients continues through December 7. During this time of year, recipients can comparison shop and change their plans if they choose. This is also the time when scammers focus on those with Medicare.
Scammers try to force Medicare recipients to sign up for fake Medicare Plan D programs or claim they need to make a payment to keep coverage or that they need to update their file.
Better Business Bureau shares the following advice to avoid Medicare scams:
Prescription plans, also known as Medicare Part D, are voluntary. If someone claims you must enroll in one to keep your coverage, they are trying to scam you.
Calls and emails asking you verify or provide your Medicare number in order to update your account or to send benefit information or issue a new card are scams.
Medicare plan representatives cannot ask you for payment over the phone or online.
Basically, do not give your Medicare number, bank account number or other personal or financial information to anyone calling or emailing you. Instead, hang up and don’t open any email attachments or click any links. Then call 1-800-MEDICARE or go to www.medicare.gov to make sure you are talking to an actual plan representative.
Some companies will offer free medical exams or supplies as a way to collect your personal information and use it fraudulently. Before accepting a free offer, check the company’s Business Review at www.bbb.org or call (509) 455-4200 for assistance.
If you feel uncomfortable hanging up on a caller, consider creating a response script and putting it by your phone. The script could be simple, something like “Let me take down your information. Once I verify what you are saying, I’ll call you back.” This will cause many scammers to hang up. And it gives you a chance to contact Medicare directly and search to see if a company has any fraud or scam complaints.
If you need help deciding on a Medicare plan, you can contact Washington’s Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) at http://1.usa.gov/1MDmAYt or by calling 1-800-562-6900 for free personalized help.
If you’ve been victim to Medicare fraud, report it to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at www.stopmedicarefraud.gov or by calling 1-800-447-8477. Also, you can learn more about medical identity theft by visiting the FTC at http://1.usa.gov/1Pq0GKz.
Erin T. Dodge, BBB editor
