MEDICARE SCAMS - BEWARE DURING ANNUAL ELECTION PERIOD
THIS TIME OF YEAR, SENIOR CITIZENS CAN BE VERY VULNERABLE TO SCAMS, OR SALES PRACTICES THAT ARE QUESTIONABLE. PLEASE REMEMBER NOT TO GIVE OUT YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION SUCH AS YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OR MEDICARE CLAIM NUMBER TO ANYONE, UNLESS YOU HAVE DECIDED TO ENROLL ON A PLAN AND YOU ARE SURE YOU HAVE A REPUTABLE PERSON FROM A “LICENSED AND CERTIFIED” COMPANY TO SPEAK WITH. IF YOU ARE ENROLLING ONLINE, MAKE SURE IT IS A SECURE SITE.
NEVER GIVE “CASH” TO AN INSURANCE OR MEDICARE SALESPERSON. NEVER.
NEVER MAKE A CHECK OUT TO THE SALESPERSON, IT MUST ALWAYS BE MADE OUT TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY YOU ARE JOINING.
NEVER SIGN ANYTHING UNLESS YOU ARE READY TO ENROLL. SOME SALES TACTICS INVOLVE TELLING PEOPLE THEY NEED TO SIGN SOMETHING TO GET THEIR MEDICAL RECORDS, BUT THEY ARE ACTUALLY SIGNING TO JOIN THE PLAN. UNLESS YOU HAVE DECIDED TO BUY A POLICY OR JOIN A PLAN, NO ONE NEEDS YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS.
IF SOMETHING SOUNDS “TOO GOOD” IT IS PROBABLY “NOT TRUE”. IF THE SALESPERSON DOES NOT OWN UP TO ANYTHING YOU NEED TO BE WARY OF, OR IF THEY HAVE TO “TRY TOO HARD” TO CONVINCE YOU, THEY MIGHT BE HIDING SOMETHING.
Many Medicare Beneficiaries get notices in the mail from what looks like their drug plan company, but it is an application to enroll on the companies Medicare Advantage Plan With a Built in Prescription Drug Plan. I get emails all the time during the AEP that they “SOMEHOW” enrolled in a MAPD and it cancelled their drug plan and healthcare plan. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE SIGNING UP FOR!!! If this happens to you, please call MEDICARE immediately, and let them know you were misled.
Senior citizens are special targets for con artists. In fact, according to some estimates, one-third of all victims of fraud schemes nationwide are seniors. Worst of all, approximately 60% of all health care fraud victims are senior citizens. Why?
Many elderly people live alone, making it easier for the fraud artist to go one-on-one with them.
Many seniors are lonely and are susceptible to the charm and persuasive tactics of the criminal.
Seniors often have ready cash.
Seniors are trusting.
Some of these con games, such as high pressure sales pitches for living trusts, investments and “miracle” remedies are aimed at the senior. They also prey on their confusion regarding the New Medicare Health Coverages, such as Medicare Advantage Plans.
Here are a few quick tips you should use to avoid being taken by any of these schemes:
Don’t let greed overcome your common sense. If they say “you have won” or get-rich-quick, you know that it is too good to be true.
Wait 24 hours before making any purchase; there is no need to rush. An offer from a reputable source will remain available from one day to the next. If they offer a low price that you “must buy now”, don’t fall for it.
Get a second opinion; consult with someone you trust before making important financial decisions. If you are deciding on changing your health insurance and do not understand the benefits, have a family member speak to the salesperson with you.
Never reveal your “vital numbers” such as credit card, phone cards, date of birth or social security number or your PIN number for automated teller machines.
BE WARY OF:
HIGH PRESSURE SALES
DEMANDS FOR CASH ONLY
THE NEED FOR QUICK DECISIONS
SECRET DEALS, AVAILABLE ONLY TO SELECTED PEOPLE
NO RISK, HIGH YIELD INVESTMENTS
MY PART D USA and our websites and information therein are HIPPA compliant and secure. You must make sure you are on a secure website before enrolling in a Part D drug plan.
We hope that this information has been helpful to you!
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