Being Safety Conscious When Signing Up For Medicare Is Important
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Being Safety Conscious When Signing Up For Medicare Is Important
No one should call you or see you in person to sell a Medicare Advantage Plan or any other Medicare plan. If you get such a call or visit do not release any of your personal information. You should give that information only to doctors and health care providers approved by Medicare or representatives of Medicare.
No Medicare plan provider should ask you for financial information such as bank information or credit card numbers over the telephone or via email. Be very careful, especially online as you may receive email that looks official. If you are in doubt call your provider or Medicare. You cannot be enrolled in any plan over the phone unless you call the company. Be wary of anyone who contacts you “out of the blue” about a plan. Of course, your own provider may contact you.
Unfortunately fraud exists. You can fight it by knowing details about Medicare rules, asking questions, and avoiding providers who make suggestions about being able to get coverage for items or services not covered by Medicare.
If you become suspicious or you have been taken advantage of, contact Medicare. Call 1-800-MEDICARE for help or contact the Medicare Drug Integrity Contractor (MEDIC) at 1-877-7SAFERX (772-3379). You can also call the Senior Medicare Patrol Program which fights fraud and abuse. They operate in all U.S. States (and territories). Call them at 1-877-808-2468.
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