June 29, 2017
Beware of Medicare Scams
By Peggy Dykes
Community Relations Director
Milestone’s Area Agency on Aging
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that it will be sending new Medicare Cards to more than 57 million enrollees over the next two years. CMS is required to replace all cards that currently use a recipient’s Social Security Number with one that uses a new Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI).
This change was mandated by Congress to help protect citizens from identity theft and fraud.
However, with these new security measures comes an opportunity for scammers to take advantage of unsuspecting Medicare recipients. And it sounds like scammers are already at work. Be on your guard and don’t be a victim.
If you are currently receiving or plan to enroll in Medicare over the next 18 months, be particularly cautious if someone comes to your door or calls you and claims to represent Medicare. The best practice is to hang up or send the person away without giving them any of your personal information.
The receipt of this new card will be automatic. You don’t have to do anything. If you are ready to apply for Medicare, simply go to Medicare.gov and follow the application steps. Medicare cards are only processed in this manner or through the US Social Security Administration. If you experience any of the following, suspect it’s a scam:
- Is someone calling, claiming to be from Medicare, and asking for your Social Security number or bank information? Hang up. That’s a scam. First, Medicare won’t call you. Second, Medicare will never ask for your Social Security number or bank information.
- Is someone asking you to pay for your new card? That’s a scam. Your new Medicare card is free.
- Is someone threatening to cancel your benefits if you don’t give up information or money? Also, a scam. New Medicare cards will be mailed out to you automatically. There won’t be any changes to your benefits.
Be sure to safeguard your new Medicare card. Even with the Social Security Number removed, a savvy hacker could still use it to commit fraud in your name. If you live in Iowa and think you are being scammed, call the Senior Medicare Patrol program facilitated by Milestones Area Agency at 563-732-5969. Illinois residents, can call Western Illinois Area Agency on Aging at 309-793-6800.
Peggy Dykes is Community Relations Director at Milestones Area Agency on Aging. She can be reached at (563) 324-9085, ext. 212 or at pdykes@milestones aaa.org.
