Scammers love to target seniors and that’s especially true during the 2012 annual open enrollment period for Medicare Advantage Plans and the Medicare Prescription Drug Program.
During the enrollment period, which runs through Dec. 7, scammers typically call claiming to be a Medicare representative and attempt to get seniors to part with their financial information.
The Better Business Bureaus reports its offices across the country have received calls from seniors being targeted for Medicare fraud.
Seniors report receiving calls from individuals claiming to be with Medicare offering “free” items such as a back brace and diabetic supplies, in exchange for consumers’ financial and personal information.
In another scenario, the caller claims “all seniors are getting a new Medicare card” and, for verification purposes, they must provide the bank account number associated with their social security benefits.
Due to the high likelihood that callers are not associated with Medicare, the BBB warns the senior community to be wary of calls offering Medicare benefits.
“Consumers should be suspicious of unsolicited calls from anyone claiming to be from Medicare,” Matthew Fehling, BBB president and CEO, said in a statement. “Medicare will generally not make unsolicited calls to update information, issue a new card or offer free medical equipment. We recommend seniors hang up and call a trusted Medicare number if they have questions regarding their benefits.”
California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones warns that Medicare has no official sales representatives so the program does not solicit seniors for their business. Federal regulations prohibit unsolicited sales calls or marketing in educational or care settings. They also prohibit offers of free meals for listening to sales presentations or for signing up in a particular plan.
“Medicare open enrollment is a time when older Californians should be particularly cautious,” Jones said in a statement. “A growing number of California seniors are falling prey to unscrupulous sales people peddling products seniors don’t need and cannot afford. If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.”
He advises seniors to guard their personal information and never give out their social security number, bank account numbers or credit card information over the telephone. Jones said people should also verify that the person they’re dealing with has proper authority to act on behalf of the plan.
The BBB offers the following tips on safeguarding personal information and protecting against Medicare scams:
● Be suspicious of any door-to-door or telephone solicitations claiming to be affiliated with Medicare.
● Be wary of anyone offering something for “free” in exchange for a Medicare number. Remember, Medicare will not pay for medical equipment without a physician’s signature certifying that it is necessary.
● Do not provide bank account information, Medicare number, social security number or any other personal information to unknown individuals over the phone; particularly telephone marketers claiming to be from Medicare and asking for payment.
● Review medical bills, Medicare Summary notices and insurance Explanation of Benefits for medical equipment or service charges that did not take place. Anyone finding unusual or questionable medical charges should contact their health care provider immediately.
● Only give insurance/Medicare information to those who have provided medical services.
● Keep accurate records of medical appointments, procedures and medical equipment.
● Ask medical providers what they will charge and how much it will cost out-of-pocket.
● Never sign blank Medicare insurance forms.
● Call your local BBB to obtain information on a business.
● Ensure that a provider is approved by Medicare by calling 1-800-633-4227.
Anyone suspicious of someone claiming to be a licensed agent can check with their state department of insurance.
Those who suspect or want to report Medicare fraud can contact the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office of Inspector General at oig.hhs.gov at 1-800-447-8477.
