By Sarah Fernandes, Medicare Sales Manager, Health New England<\/p>\n
The open enrollment period for Medicare coverage, October 15 to December 7, is ripe for scammers trying to get your personal information, which they then use to file fraudulent claims or steal identities. Scams come in all forms \u2013 phone calls, emails, flyers, and knocks on the door. Here\u2019s how people can avoid getting scammed while they consider their Medicare Advantage options and year-round.<\/p>\n
Keep Your Info Private<\/strong><\/p>\n Some of the most common scams are phone calls asking for personal information such as your Medicare number, social security number, address, and other demographic information. This information can be used to steal identities. Medicare will never call you uninvited to request personal or private information.<\/strong> Just hang up.<\/p>\n Free Equipment and Testing Kit Scam<\/strong><\/p>\n Another common scam involves phone calls offering free medical equipment or genetic tests. Callers will ask for your Medicare number or other personal information so they can falsely submit a claim to Medicare. That is fraud. Again, just hang up the phone.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t Trust the Knock<\/strong><\/p>\n If someone comes to your door and says they are from Medicare, do not believe them. Medicare will never send anyone to your home.<\/strong><\/p>\n Other Common Scams<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Take Action<\/strong><\/p>\n You can find more information on Medicare and the scams that target Medicare-eligible people at Senior Medicare Patrol online<\/a> or at 1-877-808-2468. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048. If you think you\u2019ve been the target of a scam, contact 1-800-MEDICARE. You can also report suspected scams at the Federal Trade Commission\u2019s web site at ReportFraud.ftc.gov<\/a>.<\/p>\n Other resources for Medicare-eligible Bay Staters:<\/strong><\/p>\n SHINE<\/a> Massachusetts\u2019 free Medicare advice service. Online or call 1-800-243-4636.<\/p>\n\n