Key Points
- Unfortunately, seniors can be a prime target for scammers, and many will try to trick seniors into falling for their Medicare scams.
- Scammers use several different tactics to try and scam Medicare beneficiaries and make attempts by phone or email.
- Scammers will try to trick you into giving them your personal information or money.
You’ve likely heard horror stories from your friends or family members about the number of phone calls you will receive as you approach 65. Telemarketers from various insurance companies will call incessantly trying to sell you a Medicare plan.
The sad part is many people will fall for these calls and end up enrolling in plans that they didn’t want to be in or give out personal information when they shouldn’t have. If you give out personal information such as your Social Security number or credit card information, you could expose yourself to fraud. When it is time for you to apply for Medicare, be aware of the possible Medicare scams you may encounter and learn how to avoid them.
Types of Medicare Scams You Could Experience
Scammers target Medicare beneficiaries in various ways.
Phone Scams
Common phone scams can include:
- The scammer telling you a story about your current policy or trying to tell you about benefits you may be “missing out” on.
- They will ask questions designed to get you to provide your Social Security number or Medicare number.
- Some will try to tell you that your Medicare card is expired, and you need a new one. Don’t fall for this. Your Medicare card does not expire. Once you enroll in Medicare and receive your card, there is no expiration date.
- They could also pretend to be from Social Security or Medicare and tell you that you overpaid or underpaid your Part B premium. They’ll ask for your credit card number so you can either receive a refund or pay that additional amount.
Anytime you receive calls like these, hang up! We know they can be compelling, and you may panic, thinking your coverage will lapse if you don’t pay. Hang up the phone and call Social Security or Medicare directly to handle the situation.
Tip: You can register your number on the national Do Not Call list to help limit the random numbers that call you.
Email Scams
You may receive an email from what looks like Medicare or Social Security. If you have not taken recent action with either program, you will want to be cautious about clicking on anything. You will want to read the email and if you have any questions, call Medicare or Social Security directly.
The email hackers out there will try to get into your email and computer, so be cautious of clicking on any links or attachments. Always pick up the phone and call Medicare or Social Security to verify that you should have received an email and what the attachment or link contains. We know the call times can be long, but it is always better to be safe than sorry.
Misleading Commercials on TV
Some Medicare Advantage commercials can be very misleading. You may see a commercial about a Medicare plan that promises to provide cushy benefits and even give you money back on your Part B. Most of the plans they are advertising in the commercial are not available in every zip code or apply only to very low-income people who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. You should never buy a Medicare plan from a 1-800 number you see on TV. Call your agent and do the necessary research before you change your plan. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
How to Avoid Medicare Scams
Although scammers may continue to call you day after day, there are a few things you can do to avoid falling for Medicare scams, especially when applying for Medicare.
