You may receive counterfeit sales materials, offers for discounted prescription drug plans, or supplemental Medicare coverage, or bills from an unknown hospital, doctor, or medical supplier through the mail. The scammers know that many people will just pay the bills.
Does the Social Security Administration send you junk mail?
There are a few pieces of Medicare-related mail you may get from the Social Security Administration. They may be labeled as coming from CMS, which we’ll cover in the next section, but either way, this is not junk mail, and you should keep it. The mailers you might receive from the Social Security Administration include the following:
Why do I keep getting Medicare scam calls?
The whole purpose of all of these calls is to obtain your personal information, whether that is your Medicare card number, your Social Security number, or banking information. Some of these scammers even have the technological ability to make the call appear on caller ID as if it is coming from an official place. And they can sound legit.
What happens if Medicare suspects malicious activity with your account?
If Medicare suspects malicious activity with an account, the person with coverage could be held accountable and wind up spending thousands in legal fees to resolve the issue. Protect yourself and your loved ones from these Medicare scams. Scam operators (many with foreign accents) call beneficiaries claiming to represent Medicare.
What happens if someone steals your Medicare card information?
If successful, these identity thieves can use a beneficiary's information to file false claims, fill prescriptions, or sell it to other bad actors on the dark web. Medicare has posted information about the new cards.
What can a scammer do with my Medicare number?
The scammer, usually associated with a telemarketing firm, will pitch fake benefit plans over a phone call. Typically, these plans will require you to disclose personal details to enroll. Once you share your information, the scammer may use it to steal your identity and bill Medicare for services you did not receive.
How do I stop Medicare letters?
Voluntary Termination of Medicare Part B You can voluntarily terminate your Medicare Part B (medical insurance). It is a serious decision. You must submit Form CMS-1763 (PDF, Download Adobe Reader) to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Visit or call the SSA (1-800-772-1213) to get this form.
Why am I getting letters about Medicare?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) mails letters each spring to people who might be able to save money on Medicare costs. Get help from a local Medicare or benefits counselor to see whether you're eligible for these cost savings.
Is Medicare subscriptions Medicare Gov legitimate?
A: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is the government agency that is responsible for Medicare and Medicaid. The website MyMedicare.gov is a legitimate website where you can find information about your personal Medicare account.
Why am I getting Medicare mail in my 40s?
You'll get this notice if you're eligible for Medicare and Medicaid and already have qualifying creditable prescription drug coverage through an employer or union. This notice alerts you that you automatically qualify for Extra Help, and can join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan at no cost to you.
What happens if I don't want Medicare Part B?
If you didn't get Part B when you're first eligible, your monthly premium may go up 10% for each 12-month period you could've had Part B, but didn't sign up. In most cases, you'll have to pay this penalty each time you pay your premiums, for as long as you have Part B.
Does Medicare automatically enroll?
Yes. If you are receiving benefits, the Social Security Administration will automatically sign you up at age 65 for parts A and B of Medicare. (Medicare is operated by the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, but Social Security handles enrollment.)
Do you ever have to pay Medicare back?
The payment is "conditional" because it must be repaid to Medicare if you get a settlement, judgment, award, or other payment later. You're responsible for making sure Medicare gets repaid from the settlement, judgment, award, or other payment.
What are the Medicare letters?
There are four parts of Medicare: Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D.Part A provides inpatient/hospital coverage.Part B provides outpatient/medical coverage.Part C offers an alternate way to receive your Medicare benefits (see below for more information).Part D provides prescription drug coverage.
Why do doctors not like Medicare Advantage plans?
If they don't say under budget, they end up losing money. Meaning, you may not receive the full extent of care. Thus, many doctors will likely tell you they do not like Medicare Advantage plans because private insurance companies make it difficult for them to get paid for their services.
Does Medicare pay for cataract surgery?
Medicare covers cataract surgery that involves intraocular lens implants, which are small clear disks that help your eyes focus. Although Medicare covers basic lens implants, it does not cover more advanced implants.
Is Medicare sending out new plastic cards?
The short answer is no. Medicare is not replacing your paper card with a plastic chip card. Scammers tried this con a few years ago. They've apparently fired it up again, as a lot of viewers are telling us about getting this call.
Key Takeaways
Important mail will come your way from Medicare this fall, including an Annual Notice of Change from your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan.
Learn to recognize important mail from Medicare
The Medicare program is administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Be sure to open any information that comes from the CMS, DHHS, and the Social Security Administration.
How to identify marketing mail
Here are some tips to help identify materials that are promotional and do not require your attention:
Report suspicious mail
If you receive a piece of mail that raises your suspicion, here’s what to do:
Open mail from your current health or drug plan (s)
Even if you are looking to change plans for the coming year, it is still important to continue to read the information sent by the plan (s) in which you are currently enrolled. Know the name of your current Medicare plan (s) and be sure to open any mail sent by the plan (s).
Seek help before choosing a plan
The Medicare Plan Finder is an online searchable tool on the Medicare.gov website that allows users to compare all Medicare plan options, including Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Part D plans, and Medigap supplemental policies available in a service area.
Expert Help to Understand Medicare Plan Options
Did you know that Medicare isn’t free, which means you need to consider plan coverage and prices before you enroll? Or that if you don’t enroll on time during your initial enrollment period, you could face a penalty? Navigating your Medicare selection needs and priorities may feel overwhelming.
What happens if you have a fraudulent Medicare account?
If Medicare suspects malicious activity with an account, the person with coverage could be held accountable and wind up spending thousands in legal fees to resolve the issue. Protect yourself and your loved ones from these Medicare scams.
What is the purpose of Medicare scam calls?
The whole purpose of all of these calls is to obtain your personal information, whether that is your Medicare card number, your Social Security number, or banking information. Some of these scammers even have the technological ability to make the call appear on caller ID as if it is coming from an official place.
What do scammers call Medicare?
Scam operators (many with foreign accents) call beneficiaries claiming to represent Medicare. They may say that new Medicare benefits cards are being issued and threaten to cancel Medicare coverage unless the beneficiary’s information is updated; claim they can improve benefits; “verify” your new Medicare card number to make sure you received your card; tell you to send in your old one, or claim they are selling Medicare policies. The caller might even ask for your information to send you a gift card. Sometimes, they’re selling phony products such as supplemental or prescription drug Medicare plans.
What is medical identity theft?
Medical identity theft is when someone steals or uses your personal information (like your name, Social Security Number, or Medicare Number) to submit fraudulent claims to Medicare and other health insurers without your permission. This isn’t like the bank or your credit card where identity theft is usually covered.
Does Medicare give free braces?
According to AARP, “Telemarketers call beneficiaries with offers of free state-of-the-art braces to relieve joint pain. Instead, consumers receive a package of the ordinary ankle or knee wraps (or nothing at all ), but Medicare gets a bill for thousands of dollars.”. If someone calls and says they’re from Medicare and offers you a “free” ...
Is Medicare brace a scam?
If someone calls and says they’re from Medicare and offers you a “free” or “low cost” brace, hang up. No one from Medicare will call you with such an offer. It’s a scam. The FTC advises refusing medical equipment that is mailed to you unless your doctor ordered it. Don’t pay for anything you didn’t order.
Can you get a call from someone with a Medicare number?
Medical Equipment. You may get calls from people promising you things if you give them a Medicare Number. Don’t do it. The Federal Trade Commission warns, “Scammers have been targeting Medicare recipients with a scheme to get “free or low-cost” back and knee braces.
How to contact Medicare if your information has been compromised?
If you believe your personal information has been compromised, you can also reach out to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).
When is open enrollment for Medicare?
Medical Open Enrollment season runs from October 15 to December 7. During this time, seniors are inundated with mail about different Medicare plans. Some of that information may be valid, others may represent false advertising. It is important to separate fact from fiction.
How much was recovered from healthcare fraud in 2019?
Healthcare fraud is more common than you realize. In fiscal year 2019 alone, the federal government recovered $2.6 billion in healthcare fraud and false claims. 1 Keep in mind that number only reflects the cases that were actually caught. Odds are there was more loss that went undetected.
Can you change your Medicare plan?
Claims that a representative must come to your home to finalize your plan. To be clear, you can only change Medicare plans during certain enrollment periods. Part B premiums are fixed based on your income. Unless you qualify for a Medicare Savings Plan through Medicare, your Part B premium will not be decreased.
Does Medicare cover genetic testing?
For the record, you never need to activate or renew your Medicare card, there are no approved treatments for COVID-19, and Medicare rarely covers genetic testing. Also, some medical supply companies may offer "high-quality" products like braces but go on to deliver inexpensive low-quality versions.
Does Medicare call unsolicited?
Medicare is not going to call you unsolicited. If for some reason more information is needed to process your Medicare application, the Social Security Administration will first reach out to you with an official letter to schedule a phone interview.
Can a scammer sell your information?
Scammers could even sell your personal information on the dark web and try to access your financial records. It is important to recognize these scams when they happen and to report them to prevent this kind of abuse. 10'000 Hours / Getty Images.
Why are Medicare and insurance companies contacting me?
Medicare, insurance companies, insurance agents, etc. are all contacting you because you’re turning 65. Whichever of these situations you may be in, you have different needs for both Medicare and for supplemental insurance. But, the people calling you and sending you mail don’t know your situation. All they know is you’re turning 65 ...
When do you get your Medicare card?
You’ll get your Medicare card in the mail about 3 to 3 ½ months before your Medicare effective date. For most of you, that will be the first day of the month you turn 65.
The Medicare open enrollment period tends to lead to an increase in scam calls
From October 15 to December 7, Medicare beneficiaries can renew their benefits and new insurance seekers are able to apply. They can also expect brochures, notices from Social Security, a “Medicare & You” handbook, or even an Annual Notice of Changes (ANOC) depending on their enrollment status.
How Medicare sought to protect its beneficiaries
Historically, it has been incredibly easy to siphon information from vulnerable people over the phone, especially the elderly, due to the fact that people have grown accustomed to verifying their identity with their social security number.
How to protect yourself and those around you from malicious robocalls
Scammers know to target the elderly and vulnerable, never answer a number you don’t recognize. Smartphones can even alert you with a “ Scam Likely ” caller ID to help people remain protected (find out how to activate it here ).
When will Medicare start sending new cards?
In April, Medicare began sending its members new cards with unique eleven-digit account numbers, ending the previous reliance on SSA numbers. The transition to new cards and numbers is ongoing and is scheduled to be completed in December of 2019.
How to get a new Medicare card?
Medicare has posted information about the new cards. You should know: 1 There is no fee for the new card; it will be mailed to you automatically as long as your address is up to date. 2 Medicare will never call you uninvited to request personal or private information in order for you to get your new Medicare number and card. 3 If someone asks you for your information, for money, or threatens to cancel your health benefits if you don't share your personal information, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). For more information visit www.medicare.gov/fraud.
Can Medicare scammers steal your money?
Medicare scammers may use different angles in attempts to steal your money or your identity: Some callers may request payment for the new Medicare card, according to a Detroit Free Press article. Others may pose as medical insurers and threaten to cancel your insurance if you don't share information from the new card.