The 2015 Medicare open enrollment
period runs from October 15 to December 7. It’s the time when Medicare
recipients can comparison shop and make changes to their plans. It’s also a
time when scammers take advantage of older consumers with ruses like these:
·
Someone calls and
says you must join their prescription plan or you’ll lose your Medicare
coverage. Don’t believe it. The Medicare prescription drug plan (also known as Medicare
Part D) is voluntary and does not affect your Medicare coverage.
·
Someone calls or
emails claiming they need your Medicare number to update your account, get you
a new card, or send you Medicare benefit information. It’s a scam. If you need
help with Medicare, call 1-800-MEDICARE or go to medicare.gov.
·
Someone claiming
to be a Medicare plan representative says they need “to confirm” your billing
information by phone or online. Stop. It’s a scam. Plan representatives are not
allowed to ask you for payment over the phone or online.
·
Dishonest
companies may offer you free medical exams or supplies. Be wary. It may be a
trick to get and misuse your personal information.
Whenever someone asks for your bank
account number or your Medicare number, stop. Only give personal or financial
information when you have verified who you’re talking to. Call 1-800-MEDICARE
to make sure you’re talking to a legitimate representative.
If you believe you
or some you know is a victim of Medicare fraud, report it to the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services. Call 1-800-447-8477 or visit stopmedicarefraud.gov.
If you gave out
personal information, call your banks, credit card providers, health insurance
company, and credit reporting companies immediately. The FTC’s website has more
information on health care scams and medical
identity theft.
Need help deciding
on a plan? For free personalized counseling services, contact your State Health
Insurance Assistance Program at shiptacenter.org
or call 1-877-839-2675.
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