Medicare is one of the largest federal programs. It covers over 60 million Americans and handles more than a trillion dollars in claims each year. Texas alone has more than 4.7 million Medicare recipients.
Unfortunately, all that money makes Medicare a huge target for scam artists. And because they’re older, Medicare beneficiaries are seen as easier to scam.
Each year, thousands of seniors lose money or have their personal information stolen because of Medicare fraud. And it costs taxpayers $60-90 billion dollars annually.
A big part of my job as a certified Medicare advisor is helping people avoid getting caught up in Medicare scams. Here are a few of the more common ones, plus ways to keep yourself (or your loved ones) safe from them.
Scam #1: “You Need a New Medicare Card”
Someone calls you and claims you need a new Medicare card. They just need your Medicare number, Social Security number, or even your bank account information to issue it.
The truth? Medicare will NEVER call you to issue a new card. They will send you a new card by mail if you request one.
Scam #2: “Free Medical Equipment”
Another common scam involves offers for “free” back braces, knee supports, or other medical devices. And everyone likes “free”.
Scammers say they can ship these to you at no cost—but they need your Medicare number first.
Then, once they have your number, they can bill Medicare for expensive equipment you never asked for…or never received at all.
Never accept medical equipment that your doctor hasn’t personally prescribed for you. Don’t trust strangers offering freebies over the phone.
Scam #3: Fake COVID-19 or DNA Testing Scams
Some scammers will contact you to offer “free” COVID-19 test kits or genetic testing to check for cancer risks. These may sound helpful, but they are just ways to steal your Medicare info.
Medicare covers COVID-19 tests, plus some genetic testing…but only if your doctor orders them.
If someone offers you “free” tests in exchange for your Medicare number, it’s a scam.
Scam #4: The “Urgent Update” or Threatening Call
Scammers may call, pretend to be from Medicare, and claim your benefits will be cut off unless you “confirm” your information.
These calls are meant to scare you into giving up your personal information.
Remember: Medicare will never threaten to cancel your coverage over the phone. If there’s a problem, they’ll send you an official letter.
Scam #5. Phony Plan or Insurance Offers
It happens each year during Medicare Open Enrollment season.
You start getting call after call about Medicare plans. Some are legitimate…but annoying.
Any Medicare agent who calls you has to clearly identify themselves. And you should only talk to your Medicare advisor of record.
Protect Yourself From Medicare Fraud
Here are some easy ways to stay safe:
- Guard your Medicare number. Treat it like your Social Security Number or driver’s credit card. Only share it with trusted doctors or insurers.
- Don’t answer calls from unfamiliar sources. End any call if they ask for personal information or offer “free” medical supplies, end the call.
- Speaking of phone calls, hang up IMMEDIATELY if they ask you a question that needs a “yes” response…scammers can use this to say you consented to unwanted Medicare coverage changes.
- Don’t discuss your Medicare coverage with anyone but your Medicare advisor.
- Report any suspicious activity. Call 1-800-MEDICARE, go to Medicare.gov, or contact your Medicare advisor or local Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP).
- Trust your instincts. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is!
Remember, your Medicare coverage is a vital safeguard for your health. Don’t let scammers and fraud artists put it a risk.
Need help keeping your Medicare coverage secure? If you think someone may be trying to scam you, call me at (832) 773-7981, email me at scott.goodell@ghstx.com, or use my contact form.
I’m always available to help!