Your Medicare information is valuable to scammers. They’ll use various tricks to get you to divulge your personal details, and if they succeed, they’ll use that information to commit medical identity theft. Take steps to help keep yourself safe from Medicare scammers.
How Medicare Scams Work
Medicare scammers are typically after your personal data, particularly your Medicare number and other details that can be used to commit identity theft. Once scammers have their hands on this information, the NCOA says they may use it to obtain healthcare services, supplies or prescription drugs in your name. This can affect the coverage that’s available to you, and you may be charged the out-of-pocket costs.
In one example, KSL says Medicare scammers ordered $15,000 worth of urinary catheters in the name of a Medicare beneficiary in Utah. She never received the catheters, but HHS says some Medicare beneficiaries who have been targeted may receive unwanted supplies.
To convince Medicare enrollees to share their private information, scammers adopt a number of tactics.
- Urgency. Scammers often create a false sense of urgency to convince the target to take quick action without thinking. For example, they may say that new Medicare cards are being sent out, and you need to confirm your information immediately to avoid disruption to your coverage.
- Threats. Sometimes scammers coerce victims by saying they owe money or are in legal trouble and need to provide their information or make payments immediately.
- Offers. Scammers often offer extra benefits or free medical supplies to try to trick people into hand over their information.
How to Avoid Medicare Scams
When one Medicare scammer is busted, another pops up to take their place. This is an ongoing problem, so Medicare enrollees need to take steps to protect themselves and their information.
- Keep your Medicare card and number private. Only share it when necessary, for example, when you go to the doctor’s office or when you’re working with your trusted insurance agent. If someone calls you and asks for your number, it’s a scam.
- Don’t respond to unexpected calls or text from people claiming to be from Medicare. CMS says that Medicare will only ask for personal information in limited circumstances, for example, when returning your call. If you receive a call out of the blue, you can assume it’s a scammer.
- Don’t trust your caller ID. Scammers can spoof their phone numbers to make it look like they’re calling from the official Medicare phone number, so seeing this number on your caller ID is not proof of anything.
- Don’t accept offers for free medical care or supplies. Legitimate services and supplies should be provided or ordered by your healthcare provider.
- Don’t agree to enroll in a plan in response to an unsolicited call. The scammer may make it sound like a great option for you, but it may not provide the benefits you need, or it could just be a ploy to get your information. If you are interested in switching plans, get in touch with a trustworthy insurance agent.
- Review your Explanation of Benefits statement when you receive them. Look over these statements to verify that all of the benefits are valid. If you see services or supplies that you have not received and that were not ordered by your doctor, it could be a case of fraud.
- Be especially vigilant during Medicare Open Enrollment. Scams can happen any time of the year, but between October 15 and December 7, Medicare scammers are extra busy trying to take advantage of people who are selecting new Medicare plans for the coming year.
- Look out for your friends and family. Spread the word about Medicare fraud and how to avoid it.
What to Do If You Are the Victim of Medicare Fraud
Reporting fraud is important so scammers can be caught and stopped. If fraudulent charges have been made in your name, you’ll also want to report it as soon as possible to avoid any problems with your coverage or costs.
If you suspect Medicare fraud, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to report it. You can also report Medicare fraud online. If you have been the victim of identity theft (not necessarily Medicare-related), you can report it to the FTC.
Do you need help enrolling in Medicare? Use our Medicare Insurance Agent Directory to find an agent in your area.
