October 2021 Scam: Medicare Scam Awareness

It’s almost open enrollment time for more than 60 million Medicare participants. As you consider the many options, keep an eye out for scams. Scammers use this time as an opportunity to take advantage of older adults.

Here are some common Medicare scams and how to avoid them:

• You receive a phone call from someone claiming to be from Medicare. They say you need to provide your Medicare number or credit card information in order to sign up for a plan. HANG UP! Medicare NEVER calls beneficiaries to sign up.

• Other tricksters are calling asking for consumers to update their information with the new Medicare number. DO NOT give out your new Medicare ID. Even though it is no longer your social security number, it still needs to be protected.

• You get a phone call from a representative claiming to be from Medicare, asking you to confirm or update billing information. HANG UP! Medicare will not call you and they will not ask for payment over the phone or through email.

• If someone calls trying to sell you a prescription drug plan, hang up! Part D is NOT mandatory.

• If someone asks you for your personal information, for money or threatens to cancel your health benefits if you don’t share your personal details, hang up and call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

Medicare open enrollment for 2021 coverage begins on October 15 and ends on December 7. The best place for information is online at Medicare.gov, calling Medicare at 1-800-Medicare or SHIP (TN State Health Insurance Assistance Program) at 1-877-801-0044. SHIP offers free and unbiased Medicare information and counseling.

Sources: Medicare.gov and AARP

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