Even after enrollment season, scammers are on the hunt. The Medicare enrollment period for 2023 officially started on October 15, 2022, and ended on December 7, 2022. This is the time that enrollees can make changes to their coverage. January 1st through March 31st is another time when Medicare Advantage enrollees can make changes. But the bad news is that scammers are also aware of these periods and generally try to trick beneficiaries.
It is best to be one step ahead of them by knowing how they operate. This article addresses the tricks Medicare scammers use and how you can protect yourself as a Medicare beneficiary.
What are Medicare Scam Calls?
Medicare scam calls are one of the most common ways criminals try to get your sensitive healthcare information. Scammers can use phone number spoofing to trick you into giving your healthcare details that are otherwise private and personal.
How Do I Identify Medicare Scam Calls?
Scammers are becoming rampant, but as a result, their repeated techniques are becoming more popular, so if you are security-conscious, you can avoid being scammed. Here are a few ways to detect a Medicare scam call:
1. Medicare is issuing new cards
You may receive an unsolicited call with the caller claiming that your Medicare card is no longer valid and that you need to get a new card. This is a clear red flag because Medicare will never call you without prior notice. If there is an issue with your card or if Medicare needs to call you, an official letter will be sent to you via the Social Security Administration (SSA) to schedule an online interview.
2. Your Medicare coverage is about to be canceled.
Scammers can call you and say that your Medicare coverage will be canceled unless you "verify" your account. This is a common tactic used by scammers to try to get you to give away important information. They may even result in threats but don't fall for them.
3. Early access to vaccines
Fraudsters may call to inform you that you are eligible for "special" Covid-19 vaccines that are not available to others and try to get you to pay an early out-of-pocket to get these vaccines. If you get any calls like this, know that you are about to be scammed.
4. You have a free genetic testing appointment.
You may be sent an offer for "free" genetic testing to test for cancer and other conditions. If you fall for this and give away personal information, scammers will steal your details or try to bill Medicare for the test.
5. You are qualified for free medical supplies.
Scammers may find details about your health condition from unofficial sources and then call you, offering "free" medical supplies for your condition. You should never give away your details for medical supplies unless you first confirm with Medicare or your health insurance provider.
6. You can get a refund.
You may get a text or call stating that Medicare owes you money. This is almost always a scam. Be aware.
Even after enrollment season, scammers are on the hunt. The Medicare enrollment period for 2023 officially started on October 15, 2022, and ended on December 7, 2022. This is the time that enrollees can make changes to their coverage. January 1st through March 31st is another time when Medicare Advantage enrollees can make changes. But the bad news is that scammers are also aware of these periods and generally try to trick beneficiaries.
It is best to be one step ahead of them by knowing how they operate. This article addresses the tricks Medicare scammers use and how you can protect yourself as a Medicare beneficiary.
What are Medicare Scam Calls?
Medicare scam calls are one of the most common ways criminals try to get your sensitive healthcare information. Scammers can use phone number spoofing to trick you into giving your healthcare details that are otherwise private and personal.
How Do I Identify Medicare Scam Calls?
Scammers are becoming rampant, but as a result, their repeated techniques are becoming more popular, so if you are security-conscious, you can avoid being scammed. Here are a few ways to detect a Medicare scam call:
1. Medicare is issuing new cards
You may receive an unsolicited call with the caller claiming that your Medicare card is no longer valid and that you need to get a new card. This is a clear red flag because Medicare will never call you without prior notice. If there is an issue with your card or if Medicare needs to call you, an official letter will be sent to you via the Social Security Administration (SSA) to schedule an online interview.
2. Your Medicare coverage is about to be canceled.
Scammers can call you and say that your Medicare coverage will be canceled unless you "verify" your account. This is a common tactic used by scammers to try to get you to give away important information. They may even result in threats but don't fall for them.
3. Early access to vaccines
Fraudsters may call to inform you that you are eligible for "special" Covid-19 vaccines that are not available to others and try to get you to pay an early out-of-pocket to get these vaccines. If you get any calls like this, know that you are about to be scammed.
4. You have a free genetic testing appointment.
You may be sent an offer for "free" genetic testing to test for cancer and other conditions. If you fall for this and give away personal information, scammers will steal your details or try to bill Medicare for the test.
5. You are qualified for free medical supplies.
Scammers may find details about your health condition from unofficial sources and then call you, offering "free" medical supplies for your condition. You should never give away your details for medical supplies unless you first confirm with Medicare or your health insurance provider.
6. You can get a refund.
You may get a text or call stating that Medicare owes you money. This is almost always a scam. Be aware.
How To Protect Yourself From Medicare Scam Calls
If you get a call that you suspect is a scam, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself:
- Do not divulge your personal information
- End the call
- Contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE or 1-800-HHS-TIPS
Conclusion
Scammers can be persuasive or even threatening, but you must keep calm and be careful not to give away any personal information. To find out more about medicare scam calls, you can check Medicare.gov or Hella Health.
If you get a call that you suspect is a scam, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself:
- Do not divulge your personal information
- End the call
- Contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE or 1-800-HHS-TIPS
Conclusion
Scammers can be persuasive or even threatening, but you must keep calm and be careful not to give away any personal information. To find out more about medicare scam calls, you can check Medicare.gov or Hella Health.
© 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
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