Today, the Missouri Senior Medicare Patrol is sharing four tips from the National Council on Aging to protect you from scams.
First, hang up on government imposters. They may call claiming to be from the IRS, Social Security, or Medicare. The phone number on caller ID may match the toll-free number for the agencies. The caller claims your account is locked or they need information from you. They may threaten to arrest you if you don’t do what they say. Just hang up. If you don’t recognize the number, just do not answer the phone to begin with. And don’t return calls either.
Second, don’t accept offers of “free” medical equipment or tests. They may show up in the mail, on the phone, in the mall or elsewhere. While Medicare covers preventive services and durable medical equipment at no or low cost, there are rules on getting them. Start with your primary care doctor or trusted specialist – not someone selling a test or equipment. Suppliers of back braces or wheelchairs that market directly to consumers sometimes could use your personal Medicare information to bill Medicare for thousands of dollars.
Third, check your Medicare Summary Notice. Medicare sends an MSN to beneficiaries every three months. The MSN lists providers that billed Medicare on your behalf, what Medicare paid, and amounts you owe. Check your MSN regularly to identify any suspicious activity, such as a bill for equipment you didn’t receive or from a provider that you do not know.
Fourth, protect your identity. Make sure that you do not give away your date of birth, Social Security number, Medicare number or any other personal information unless you know for certain who you are dealing with and why they need it.
As always, report suspected Medicare fraud to the Missouri SMP at 1-888-515-6565. This project was supported, in part, by the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $662,347 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official views of , nor an endorsement by, ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government
Comments 16
Daphne Phillips
Calls come through often from “suppliers/con artist” stating that they are with your insurance/medicaid/care or a third party assisting these agencies. These “suppliers/con artists” are knowlegeable people and have ‘that’ bit of our vital information. I’m a caregiver for my mom. It was tough teaching her phone identity. Somtimes she won’t pick up her phone when I call.
Janet E.Ward
I am glad you warn me about free gifts. I have been temped to try to get them. Now I know they are scams.
Deborah Bell
Thank you for the information. I’ll definitely take your advice and be safe.
Connie
I do not receive a Medicare Summary Notice at all. How do I get the MSN?
Stephanie Patrick
You can go to Medicare.gov to use the chat function or call (1-800-633-4227). Or call MO SHIP at 800-390-3330
Shirley
Excellent advice!
Freddie
good info i never answer i don,t know
Diana Thompson
Thanks for the tips.
Brenda Childress-Morgan
This is good imformation I always pass stuff like this on to my senior in the neighborhood.
Eva Fox
Thank you for the ongoing information for our protection against scammers and fraud. It keeps us alert to it and inform us of how to protect ourselves. These practices are growing in occurancy. We are very thankfull for your help.
Carlyn Webber
Very helpful information. I feel better about hanging up on spam calls.
Brenda Huddleston
Thank you for information about free medical devices.
jacqueline scott
good to know these tips. I follow them. I have an answering machine. I don’t answer these calls and these solicitors never leave messages.
eric mosely
too difficult to type my request. send me a phone number to call
Stephanie Patrick
If you need assistance, please call Aging Ahead at (636) 207-0847.
Jacqueline Shellby
Thank youfor this very good information