Common Medicare Scams to Avoid
March 6, 2019 | Sara Rosas
Fake Freebies
Scammers may call you and offer enticing free products and services like free health check ups or free medicare supplies. While these offers may seem intriguing and legitimate, it is important to remember that your actual Medicare provider will not call or come to your house with unsolicited free offers.
Calls to Confirm a Medicare Number
If someone cold calls you and asks you to confirm your medicare number to keep your benefits, refrain from giving your personal information to the caller. Contact your Medicare Insurance Agent to let him or her know of any suspicious calls that you have received.
False Refunds
Scammers may call you and state that you will be getting money back due to changes made by Medicare. They will ask for your Medicare number and your bank account information, but make sure that you do not disclose any of this information to these strangers. If you are actually eligible for a refund, a check will be sent your residence.
Unnecessary Payments for the New Medicare ID Card
In April 2018, Medicare cards with new Medicare numbers were released. These updated cards replaced the previous cards that based your medicare number on your social security number. Since this card update, many scammers have called people, posing as a Medicare representative and asking for payment in exchange for this new Medicare ID. Remember that the new cards are free and do not require any additional steps.
Extravagant Gifts
Be wary of scammers who call you and offer to give you extremely expensive gifts worth hundreds of dollars in exchange for your Medicare number and other personal information to enroll in their program. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, “ Medicare Insurance Agents can’t offer gifts to potential enrollees of more than $15.”
With these tips, you won’t have to worry about being outsmarted by the newest Medicare Identity Theft schemes. At Twin City Underwriters, our Medicare Insurance Agents are here to help you ward off Medicare scammers, answer your questions, consult with you about concerns you may have, and find the best plan for your specific needs and budget. Contact us today to get started.
Sources:
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/02/07/beware-theres-a-new-wave-of-medicare-scammers.html
https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-10-2012/6-common-medicare-scams.2.html
Do you need help with Medicare, insurance and healthplans? Join us at one of our Free Medicare workshops in Minneapolis and the Twin Cities. Explore your options with Medica® and Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Minnesota. We work with you to find the best plan for your needs and budget. Contact us today to get started.