As of October 2021, there have been 64 million people enrolled in Medicare. A big majority of agents who assist Medicare beneficiaries are upstanding, ethical people. But Medicare is not any different than another industry. Where there’s opportunity, there can be scam artists.
So, how are Medicare beneficiaries taken advantage of? Most scams occur over the phone. Individuals who reach out to you by phone are often called telemarketers. Telemarketers are trained to get as much information out of you as they will, including your personal and Medicare information. Also they are trained to speak fast and never take “no” for a solution. They might offer walkers, wheelchairs, back braces, or Medicare Advantage Plans.
Listed here are some tricks to provide help to avoid being scammed. First isn’t, never, NEVER give your Medicare or Social Security number out over the phone. If someone calls representing your insurance company, and so they ask on your Medicare number, don’t give it to them. In the event that they are truly your insurance company, they may have already got it.
The second thing to avoid is allowing anyone, except your doctor or other provider, to review your medical records or services. Third, never join a Medicare Advantage plan or Prescription Drug plan over the phone without checking with Medicare first. The commercials you see on television are designed to entice you to call an 800 number. When you make that decision the chances are you can be enrolled in a Medicare plan whether you wanted it or not.
An important thing to recollect is Medicare won’t ever call you unless you could have called Medicare and left a message. Also, Medicare won’t ever visit you at your property. In case you suspect someone has contacted you without your consent call 1-800-Medicare.
If you could have questions regarding any aspect of Medicare or Medicare health plans be at liberty call us at Alabama Health Guidance (256-648-5710), stop by our office at 885 Florence Blvd (4 Lane Shopping Center) or email me at ikey@alabamahealthguidance.com.
