Don’t Be Fooled By Misleading Medicare Marketing!
During Medicare’s Annual Enrollment period (Oct. 15-Dec. 7), numerous private insurance carriers reach out to people through television commercials, radio ads, events, mailings, phone calls, emails and texts.
It’s important to understand what brokers and agents from these private insurance companies are and aren’t allowed to do so you’ll be prepared if someone tries to enroll you in a Medicare plan that isn’t right for you.
Watch out for people who:
* Say they represent Medicare or are calling on behalf of Medicare, Medicaid, or Social Security
* Call and say you need to activate, renew, or upgrade your Medicare card
* Ask to verify your Medicare number, even if they claim to be from a doctor’s office
* Require you to provide or verify personal information
* Pressure you to join a particular plan
* Threaten to cancel your coverage if you don’t verify personal information or join a new plan
* Claim you’re eligible for a refund due to changes in your plan
* Promise free medical supplies or services
* Show up at your home without your permission
* Try to sell you a plan at an educational event
Medicare scammers can sound very professional over the phone. They often use technology to create convincing websites, emails, and print materials that appear to be from a trustworthy organization.
How To Protect Yourself From Medicare Fraud
Guard your Medicare card like it’s a credit card
Avoid sharing your Medicare number with people who contact you out of the blue. Medicare will not call you unless you’ve specifically asked for help. If they do call you in response to a request, they will not need your information since they’ll already have it on file.
Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers
Does your caller ID show a legitimate-looking phone number? Scammers can spoof their number to make it look like the call is coming from a government agency or other known organization. If someone unfamiliar calls asking you for personal information, simply hang up.
Do not click on suspicious links
Criminals create fake email addresses to make it appear messages are coming directly from Medicare. These emails may send you to a website that looks authentic. Do not respond to unexpected emails or text messages or click on any links they contain—even if the communication looks real.
Don’t be pressured into changing coverage
Do not speak to anyone who tries to persuade you to choose a certain plan: Ignore claims that any plan is “preferred by Medicare,” since Medicare does not endorse specific plans.
Keep an eye on your Medicare account
Check your summary notices when you receive them to look for any discrepancies or claims you didn’t make.
How To Report Suspected Medicare Marketing Fraud
1. Call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227)
2. Contact the Senior Medicare Patrol Resource Center by calling 1-877-808-2468 or use this form to report it.