Medicare scams in the USA are on the rise. It is essential to be aware of the types of scams out there, so you don’t fall prey to scammers who want your personal information. When criminals are successful with Medicare abuse and fraud, it means higher taxes and healthcare costs for everyone. Unfortunately, many people are victims of these scammers – and we don’t want it to be you.
What You Can Do to Prevent Medicare Scams
You should call your provider’s office as soon as possible if you believe you may have received a fraudulent phone call, piece of mail, or charge.
These are some tips you should keep in mind that could help prevent Medicare scams:
- Always protect your information by guarding your Medicare Number and Social Security Number the same way you would not reveal the numbers on a credit card.
- Keep in mind that Medicare never tries to sell you anything over the phone, nor will they visit you at your home. A representative from Medicare will only call and request personal information under two circumstances: First, they may call you if you are already a member of the plan. Second, a customer service representative may call you to return a call you made or if they promised to return a call.
- You should never allow anyone other than your healthcare providers to gain access to your medical records.
- Unless you specifically call Medicare or work with an insurance agent you trust, you should never agree to sign up for a drug or Medicare plan over the phone.
- TV ads can make changing your plan sound appealing, but to make a change, you should speak with an insurance agent who can explain what you gain and what you could lose. These ads are not scams as such, but changing a plan could cause you to lose access to a medical provider you trust, so these decisions should be made with full knowledge of the impact on your healthcare and budget.
Always closely review your medical bills. If you believe that Medicare is being charged for something you did not receive, or if your Medicare number or card was stolen, you should contact Medicare as soon as possible to report the incident. These are some examples of Medicare scams you should look out for:
- A company reaches out to you to offer a Medicare drug plan
- A provider charged Medicare twice for a treatment you only received once
- A provider bills Medicare for items or services you never received
- You discover that another party stole your Medicare card or number and submitted a fraudulent claim in your name
Medicare and You
Finding the right Medicare plan can play an important role in supporting your overall health and well-being, so it is essential to take the time to participate in a plan that meets your needs at a premium that works for your budget. Our experienced and knowledgeable insurance agents will work closely with you to understand what best suits you. We are local, easy to reach, and ready to provide the personalized services you deserve. Reach out to our team today for help on this critical decision.
We look forward to hearing from you!