Medicare is the federal health insurance program. It was established in 1965 and has grown over the years to cover more services. One would think that applying for medical care-related expenses with Medicare is simple enough, but it’s not. There are many scams that people come across while applying for their basic medical needs.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program meant for individuals aged 65 and older. It is also for people under 65 with certain disabilities. It helps cover the costs of many health care services. These include hospital visits, doctor appointments, lab tests, prescription drugs, and more.
The problem is that Medicare has become a frequent target by scammers who prey on seniors. I Will Advisors has seen numerous family members fall victim to these scams and lose their hard-earned money. It’s terrible because lifetime savings can be wiped out in moments by seniors who think they’re doing the right thing. To help you protect yourself from being one of these victims, I Will Advisors offers some useful tips on how to avoid becoming a scam victim.
Don’t Give Out Personal Information
If I want help with my medical bill, I’ll need to provide personal information. I will provide my Social Security number and birth date. This makes it easier for scammers to steal my identity.
If someone asks you to send money or provide a credit card number over email or the phone, don’t do it. Instead, call their health advocates directly and ask them what they need from you before proceeding. This is a common scam that could lead to identity theft.
Don’t Share Medical History Over the Phone or Email
Medicare consultants do not contact beneficiaries to ask them about their health status or medical history. If someone asks questions like these, that’s a red flag that it’s a scammer trying to gain access to your data. If you think someone has already obtained your details illegally, report it immediately.
Don’t Pay for Anything Upfront
Don’t pay upfront fees without first checking if they’re legitimate charges from the government or insurance companies. Medicare doesn’t charge any fees if I need help with my medical bill. There are no charges before enrollment or premiums until after enrollment in the program.
Beware of Emails From Unfamiliar Sources
Medicare consultants will not send you an email asking you to click on a link or open an attachment or enter personal information. The government will not ask for your Social Security number over the phone.
If you receive an email from someone claiming to be health advocate or Medicare representative or administrator, it may not be legitimate. Scammers often send emails from fake accounts in order to trick their victims into giving up their information or money
Confirm Any Medical Provider by Visiting Their Website
Look up the provider’s information in Medicare’s provider directory. This includes licensed hospitals, clinics, and physicians that accept Medicare assignments.
As more people become eligible each year, there are more opportunities for scammers to take advantage of them. Medicare fraud is on the rise, and seniors need to be aware of how they can protect themselves from scams. Contact I Will Advisors today for more information.
