Leah Kari, Retired Pharmaceutical Representative and Licensed Insurance Agent
Your Medicare number is your passport to accessing vital healthcare services. It is required for enrollment into Medicare Supplement Insurance, Medicare Advantage Plans, and Stand-Alone Prescription Drug Plans. Your Medicare number is confidential. Criminals are on the prowl to exploit this information. Safeguard your Medicare number and watch for fraudulent activity. Think twice before giving anyone your Medicare number.
What Could Happen
In criminal hands, your Medicare number may be used for identity theft and hijacking your medicare benefit. Fake medical bills are submitted in your name, draining your Medicare benefits, and potentially harming your credit score. Your number makes stealing your identity simple.
Scammers may offer “free” equipment and bill Medicare in your name. People have received large quantities of catheters, Covid tests, and medical supplies they never ordered. Criminals may switch you to another Medicare plan with different benefits or higher costs potentially restricting your access to specific doctors or benefits within your plan. All of these occurrences are without your direction or knowledge.
Fraud Costs Everyone
The Social Security Administration states that Medicare fraud can cost Americans more than $60 billion a year. Some experts estimate that the number may exceed $100 billion.
Medicare fraud ranges from simple to complex criminal acts. The cost paid comes in higher insurance premiums, higher cost of care, increased taxes, and more.
The Solution
Beware of unsolicited calls, emails, or visits from people claiming to represent Medicare. Medicare, the IRS, and Social Security will not call you until you initiate contact with them and only if you are expecting a call back. Legitimate organizations won’t pressure you to share your number over the phone. If you’re unsure, hang up and call the entity that claimed to be calling you, or call Medicare, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 1-800-633-4227 (TTY users dial 1-877-486-2048.) Ask if Medicare was trying to reach you, and you’ll be surprised at the answer.
Be Cautious
* Only provide your number with trusted sources like your doctor’s office or a verified and trusted person. Those on Medicare Advantage plans must use their plan ID card to access services.
* Safely store your Medicare card along with your important documents. For those who must carry their Medicare card, ensure you know its whereabouts at all times.
* Review your medicare statements and bills for suspicious charges or services. Call your plan or provider if something doesn’t look correct.
* Shred documents containing your Medicare number before throwing them away.
If You Suspect Fraud
Contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or check their website at medicare.gov. You may also call the fraud hotline of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477) TTY: 1-800-377-4950.
By following these tips, you can protect your Medicare number, your benefits, and your peace of mind.
Leah Kari, AMR, FHIAS, specializes in showing Medicare eligible people their insurance options. Reach Leah at 520-484-3807 or email [email protected]. (TTY users dial 711.)