Beware of New Medicare Card Scams: What Seniors Need to Know
The New York StateWide Senior Action Council (StateWide), dedicated to advocating for New York's senior citizens, is sounding the alarm about a troubling trend: scams targeting Medicare beneficiaries that involve fraudulent claims regarding new Medicare cards. Every year, particularly at the beginning of the year, scammers attempt to dupe vulnerable seniors into thinking they need to replace their Medicare cards, putting their personal information at risk.
Maria Alvarez, Executive Director of StateWide, emphasized the importance of awareness in combating these schemes, stating, “It is critical for seniors to know that there are no new Medicare cards being issued this year or any other year. Scammers flourish in confusion; knowledge is one of the best defenses.”
The council's current focus under its monthly 'Medicare Fraud of the Month' initiative aims to educate seniors about common scams and how to avoid falling prey to them. The organization, which acts as New York's grantee/administrator for the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP), seeks to empower seniors and caregivers to identify, prevent, and report healthcare fraud.
One prevalent scam involves phone calls that purport to come from Medicare. Scammers may ask for personal information such as your doctors' names, medical conditions, diagnoses, or medications, making the request seem legitimate. Alvarez warns, “Never provide personal information over the phone unless you are certain of the caller's identity. If in doubt, hang up and call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE or reach out to the NY SMP Fraud Helpline.”
Another tactic employed by scammers is reminding seniors that their Medicare cards do not expire. They might falsely assert that beneficiaries need updated cards for the new year when, in fact, Medicare only issues standard paper cards and does not upgrade them.
Alvarez also highlighted unusual offers that might accompany these scams, such as offers for 'special' Medicare cards. These can include cards made from plastic, metal, or embedded with 'special chips.' Again, she reiterated that such options are not legitimate, and Medicare cards remain standard paper forms without any requisite upgrades.
To ensure their safety, seniors are urged to take specific precautions:
1. Verify Callers: If you receive an unexpected phone call, particularly those requesting personal information, it is critical to verify the caller's identity. Hang up and independently call known Medicare contacts.
2. Do Not Engage: If faced with unexpected calls or messages requesting personal details, disengage immediately and do not share any information.
3. Protect Personal Information: Treat your Medicare and Social Security numbers with care, similar to managing credit card information. Keep these details confidential.
4. Report Suspicious Activity: If any fraud or suspicious activity is suspected, report it to the NYS Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP). You can contact the Helpline at 800-333-4374 for assistance.
With Medicare fraud costing taxpayers approximately $60 billion annually, initiatives like StateWide's 'Fraud of the Month' are vital in raising awareness and prevention. StateWide provides senior citizens across New York with access to educational resources, assistance with Medicare-related queries, plan comparisons, and information about patients’ rights, aiming to foster a well-informed constituency able to protect itself against fraud.
For more information and assistance, seniors can visit the StateWide website or call their Helpline for guidance. Education and vigilance are the best defenses against these scams, and the efforts made by StateWide are crucial in empowering the senior community in New York to combat healthcare fraud effectively.
Maria Alvarez, Executive Director of StateWide, emphasized the importance of awareness in combating these schemes, stating, “It is critical for seniors to know that there are no new Medicare cards being issued this year or any other year. Scammers flourish in confusion; knowledge is one of the best defenses.”
The council's current focus under its monthly 'Medicare Fraud of the Month' initiative aims to educate seniors about common scams and how to avoid falling prey to them. The organization, which acts as New York's grantee/administrator for the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP), seeks to empower seniors and caregivers to identify, prevent, and report healthcare fraud.
One prevalent scam involves phone calls that purport to come from Medicare. Scammers may ask for personal information such as your doctors' names, medical conditions, diagnoses, or medications, making the request seem legitimate. Alvarez warns, “Never provide personal information over the phone unless you are certain of the caller's identity. If in doubt, hang up and call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE or reach out to the NY SMP Fraud Helpline.”
Another tactic employed by scammers is reminding seniors that their Medicare cards do not expire. They might falsely assert that beneficiaries need updated cards for the new year when, in fact, Medicare only issues standard paper cards and does not upgrade them.
Alvarez also highlighted unusual offers that might accompany these scams, such as offers for 'special' Medicare cards. These can include cards made from plastic, metal, or embedded with 'special chips.' Again, she reiterated that such options are not legitimate, and Medicare cards remain standard paper forms without any requisite upgrades.
To ensure their safety, seniors are urged to take specific precautions:
1. Verify Callers: If you receive an unexpected phone call, particularly those requesting personal information, it is critical to verify the caller's identity. Hang up and independently call known Medicare contacts.
2. Do Not Engage: If faced with unexpected calls or messages requesting personal details, disengage immediately and do not share any information.
3. Protect Personal Information: Treat your Medicare and Social Security numbers with care, similar to managing credit card information. Keep these details confidential.
4. Report Suspicious Activity: If any fraud or suspicious activity is suspected, report it to the NYS Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP). You can contact the Helpline at 800-333-4374 for assistance.
With Medicare fraud costing taxpayers approximately $60 billion annually, initiatives like StateWide's 'Fraud of the Month' are vital in raising awareness and prevention. StateWide provides senior citizens across New York with access to educational resources, assistance with Medicare-related queries, plan comparisons, and information about patients’ rights, aiming to foster a well-informed constituency able to protect itself against fraud.
For more information and assistance, seniors can visit the StateWide website or call their Helpline for guidance. Education and vigilance are the best defenses against these scams, and the efforts made by StateWide are crucial in empowering the senior community in New York to combat healthcare fraud effectively.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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