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Medicare Open Enrollment Scams
How to protect yourself from Medicare scams
Seth Combs
November 07, 2024
If you’ve been a victim or know a victim, please contact us and we will try to assist
Quick Overview
The Growing Threat of Medicare Scams
As we mentioned during Medicare Fraud Awareness Week, the number of scams around Medicare continue to rise. Over the past twenty years, the Medicare Senior Patrol has been working diligently to help seniors avoid scams and support those in need.
The biggest tip you should know and share:
Medicare will not call you uninvited, ask for your Medicare number, or ask for personal information.
Watch for the following warning signs of a scam:
Unsolicited calls, emails, or visits: someone contacting you out of the blue, claiming to be from Medicare and offering free services.
Requests for personal information: a demand for your Medicare number, Social Security number, or other personal information.
Pressure to act quickly: any threat that you'll lose benefits or face other consequences if you don't comply with a deadline, often by paying or providing personal information.
Billings with errors: charges for services or supplies that weren’t ordered, were never received, or that Medicare already covered.
Suspicious websites or mailings: fake websites created to look like official ones but that have inconsistencies, errors, or other odd elements.
Stay safe out there,
Medicare Open Enrollment and Medicare Scams
Navigating Medicare Open Enrollment: A Personal Guide to Scam Awareness
It’s open enrollment period for Medicare from October 15 - December 7, which means it’s also prime time for scammers. This period, when seniors review and make changes to their plans, appears to attract scammers like moths to a flame.
Did you know that Medicare loses an estimated $60 billion each year due to fraud, errors, and abuse? Statistics show that Medicare scams increase dramatically during open enrollment. Some common examples of fraud, errors, or abuse include:
Charging for services or supplies that were not provided
Misrepresenting a diagnosis, a person’s identity, the service provided, or other facts to justify payment
Prescribing or providing excessive or unnecessary tests and services
Understanding Medicare Open Enrollment
What is Medicare Open Enrollment?
Medicare Open Enrollment is a specific period when you can sign up for Medicare, make changes to your plan, or enroll in new coverage. It's like a yearly check-up for your health insurance, to assess:
Changing Needs: What if your medications change or you want to switch doctors? Annual reviews help address these concerns.
Cost Savings: Some plans might offer better rates or lower premiums than what you're currently paying. Wouldn’t it be great to save some cash?
New Plans Available: Each year, insurance companies might introduce new plans. Some could offer better benefits you weren't aware of.
Just like you would adjust your wardrobe when the seasons change, your health coverage needs adjustments too. During open enrollment, it’s time to:
Review coverage options
Compare your current plan to other options that best fit your needs and budget
Switch between Medicare Advantage plans
Switch from traditional Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, or vice versa
Elect or switch between Medicare Part D prescription drug plans
From October 15 - December 7, 2024 is the open window. Missing these dates means you might have to wait another year to make changes. It’s critical to stay vigilant.
Spotting the Red Flags of Medicare Scams
Medicare scams are on the rise, and it's crucial to recognize the red flags. The tactics that scammers use can be quite alarming. They often target the very people who need protection the most—our seniors. Here’s what to watch out for.
Common Tactics
Unsolicited calls
One of the most notorious tactics is unsolicited phone calls. Scammers often impersonate Medicare representatives.
Have you ever received an unsolicited call or text claiming to be from Medicare? These are often phishing attempts. Scammers may pose as Medicare representatives, trying to trick you into revealing personal information. They might say things like, “We need to verify your account; please provide your Social Security number.” It's shocking how convincing they can be!
Never share personal details over the phone or text unless you initiated the contact.
Some scammers go further by impersonating Medicare navigators. They claim they can help you with enrollment, but they often request payment for their “services.” Remember, actual Medicare help is free.
Phishing emails
Beware of emails that look legitimate but ask for personal information. These can lead to identity theft.
A common tactic is an email which has a link to a website. This website may ask for your email, name, Medicare account number, and other personal information.
Fake Medicare Websites
Another common tactic is creating fake websites that resemble official Medicare pages. They often look authentic at first glance but are designed to deceive you.
Scammers use these websites to gather personal information. They may require you to fill out forms or even pay fake fees. Always check the URL and ensure it’s a secure site. Look for the lock icon next to the web address in your browser.
It's essential to remain vigilant and informed. Awareness is key to keeping our personal information safe. If you're ever in doubt about a call or email, hang up or delete it. Talk to a trusted family member or friend.
The only sites you should go to are: medicare.gov and healthcare.gov. These sites are gold mines for information. You can find resources, compare plans, and even enroll. It’s easy to get lost online, but sticking to these official platforms is a safe bet.
Common Phrases Used by Scammers
When scammers reach out, they often use specific phrases designed to create urgency or fear. Here are a few you might hear:
"Your account will be suspended unless you act now!"
"Congratulations! You've won a prize!"
"This is a limited-time offer; don’t miss out!"
These phrases can be alarming. Scammers know that if they can make us feel panicked, we’re more likely to act without thinking. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
Proactive Measures to Safeguard Yourself from Medicare Scams
In today’s world, protecting your personal information is crucial. I often wonder, how safe am I from identity theft? It can happen to anyone, and it often starts with seemingly innocent interactions. Let’s explore some proactive measures you can take to safeguard yourself.
1. Never Share Personal Info Over Unsolicited Contacts
One of the first rules of thumb is to steer clear of sharing personal information with unsolicited contacts. This includes phone calls, emails, or messages from unknown sources. You might think it’s safe to provide a few details, but remember: what seems innocent to you could be a scammer's opportunity. For instance, if someone calls and requests your Medicare number, hang up. Trust your gut.
2. Utilize Your Medicare Number Wisely
Your Medicare number is like your social security number. You should only use it with trusted providers. Here are some tips:
Verify the provider: Always check if they are legitimate before giving out your Medicare number.
Ask questions: Don’t hesitate to quiz them about why they need your number.
Consider alternatives: If possible, ask if they can use your information in a different way.
3. Keep Medicare Cards Secure
Keeping your Medicare cards secure should be a top priority. Think of it like safeguarding cash in your wallet. You wouldn’t leave your wallet just anywhere, right? The same principle applies here:
Store your card securely: Use a designated spot—perhaps a locked drawer.
Limit carrying it: Don’t take your card everywhere. Only bring it when necessary.
4. Verification Through 1-800-MEDICARE
Finally, always remember that you can verify information through the official 1-800-MEDICARE line. They provide trusted assistance and can help clarify any questions you may have. It's your go-to resource for confirming provider legitimacy or understanding what’s expected of you.
"When in doubt, reach out!"
By following these proactive measures, we are taking steps to protect ourselves and our information. It’s a simple yet effective way to stay secure in an unpredictable world.
Recovering from Medicare Scams: Resources and Support
When we fall victim to Medicare fraud, it can feel overwhelming. But there are steps we can take to recover and protect ourselves moving forward.
Important Steps to Take if a Scam Occurs
First, stay calm. Panic doesn’t help. Here are some vital actions to consider:
Document Everything: Write down every detail you can remember. Who contacted you? What did they say? Keeping a record helps.
Change Your Passwords: If you shared any personal or financial information, update your passwords. Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols for security.
Monitor Your Accounts: Check your Medicare statements and bank accounts regularly for any unusual charges.
Contact Medicare: Reach out to them directly at their official number. Never use contact information from suspicious calls or messages.
Report to the Authorities: You can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and your state’s Attorney General.
Utilizing the FTC's Online Complaint Tool to Report a Medicare Scam
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also has resources for those affected by fraud. Using the FTC's online complaint tool is straightforward:
Visit the FTC website.
Fill out the online form with the necessary details.
Filing a complaint helps build cases against scammers, which could protect others in the future. Remember, every little action counts.
Recovering from Medicare fraud isn't easy, but it's possible. By taking these steps, we can regain control and seek the support we need.
The Power of Awareness: Staying Informed Together
Have you ever thought about the importance of sharing knowledge? When it comes to something as vital as Medicare risks, the conversation is crucial. Many of us might feel overwhelmed with the complexity of healthcare plans, especially as we age. That’s why it’s essential to communicate with family and friends about these risks. The more we talk, the more informed everyone becomes.