Protecting Yourself: Valued Toni, I am concerned about a phone call I received from a “Medicare representative” who inquired about my confidential information and informed me of the availability of a new credit card-style plastic Medicare card with a chip. Over the phone, I declined to divulge any personal information.
There is a concern that an error may have been made and the new Medicare card may have been overlooked. Whom or what steps should I take to determine whether Medicare is attempting to get in touch with me? —Deidre, located in Oklahoma City
Dear Deidre, A new plastic Medicare card with a chip is not being issued, so there is no need for concern. Fraudsters aim this fraud at the Medicare population in the United States. You obtained your Medicare card and it remains unchanged.
Social Security and Medicare will never make telephone requests for personal or financial information. Medicare agents who call you have already obtained all the information necessary to confirm that they are communicating with you. The relevant government agency (e.g., Medicare) would dispatch a letter requesting the information in question and providing contact details for any inquiries that may arise.
In April 2019, Medicare cards underwent the most recent revision, which included incorporating an arbitrary identifier composed of letters and numbers. We no longer display a Social Security number.
According to the National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association, Medicare and Medicaid fraud costs taxpayers more than $100 billion annually. Deletions from Medicare and Medicaid result in a reduction of funds allocated for health care claims.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Renew Your Medicare Card in Australia
The Senior Medicare Patrol instructs beneficiaries of Medicare on how to spot fraud and abuse. Please report suspected scams to the SMP at 877-808-2468. To find the nearest SMP office, please visit smpresource.org.
You can take a few precautions to prevent Medicare fraud:
- Carry a safety document with you at all times. Inform any individual who contacts you via telephone and requests personal information so that you do not divulge such details. (Enlist the aid of a friend or your children in composing the script.) It is imperative to adhere to the script in all circumstances.
- Refrain from disclosing your Medicare or Social Security number to unauthorized individuals who approach you via phone, doorknock, text message, or email. As you would advise your grandchildren, avoid conversing with strangers.
- It is not advisable to accept “free” offers in return for your Medicare number. Bear in mind that nothing is complimentary. Medicare will pay for these offers, and the fraudster will accomplish this using your Medicare number.
Toni King is a health insurance and Medicare author and columnist. For inquiries regarding Medicare, please contact us at [email protected] or 832-519-8664.
