I've heard about Medicare fraud. What steps can I take to protect myself from scams related to Medicare?
Answered by 14 licensed agents
Answered by Marsha Reiniers on April 21, 2025
Agent Licensed in FL, GA, NC, PA, SC & VA
Answered by Lt Col Tim Brown on April 19, 2025
Broker Licensed in TN, AL, CO & 10 other states
Only talk to people that you signed a written agreement for them to talk to you.
I would also google their name they work for. Not the insurance company name and their personal name to see if they have a reputation.
For instance, If you google my personal name you will see great reviews about me and my team.
If you google each medical company you will get mixed reviews.
You have to know and trust the person who is giving you recommendations.
Answered by Tasha Riggs on March 31, 2025
Broker Licensed in CO, AZ, HI & 10 other states
Answered by Christopher Palazzini on March 25, 2025
Broker Licensed in FL, CA, GA & 6 other states
1) Be advised Medicare will never call you.
2) Cold calling is not permitted, so do not give out any personal information unless you initiated the call.
Answered by Terrie Boteler on April 7, 2025
Broker Licensed in MD, DC, DE, FL, VA & WV
Answered by Steven Bleicher on May 29, 2025
Broker Licensed in AZ
Answered by Timothy Brown on June 1, 2025
Broker Licensed in PA, CT, DE & 15 other states
1. Always get a name and phone number and ask for a license number from the people who are calling. Ask what company they are with. If they are not a scammer they should have a number where they can be reached directly.
2. Don’t give private information out over the phone. This information is what scammers are hoping to get. Guard your info and if your concerned that you may be speaking to a scammer simply hang up.
3. Know some basic rules that apply to medicare sales. Agents are not allowed to solicit medicare beneficiaries without expressed permission. An agent has to have a permission to contact form or a scope of appointment in order to call
you for sales purposes. You can call them directly but the rules protect you from being solicited and knowing that can help you spot scammers or even agents who don’t play by the rules.
4. Lastly if you have a local agent that you know and trust reach out to them for guidance. They can help educate you on the rules and be used as a resource to help you spot scammers.
Answered by Christopher Garcia on March 31, 2025
Broker Licensed in NM, AZ, CO & TX
Also, check over the Explanation of Benefits forms that come to you explaining the medical and prescription claims that have been sent to your plan. Make sure you recognize these charges as your, that is, you remember going to the doctor or filling the listed prescription, as it is listed. If you did not receive those reservices, call the plan to report possible fraud.
There are many unscrupulous advertisers out there who hope you will call a number to get "free information" but intend to direct you to an agent to enroll you in a plan. Look carefully on all printed advertisements for the required statement disclosing a call will give them permissions to connect you with a sales agent. None of these advertisements are from CMS or another government agency, which does offer free information. The advertisements are all intended to sell you a Medicare plan, either an Advantage Plan or a Medicare Supplement plan.
Answered by Dorothy Lam on April 16, 2025
Agent Licensed in IL, IA & IN
If you encounter a problem ever, you can call 1-800-Medicare.
Answered by Marcie Barnes on May 25, 2025
Agent Licensed in TX, AK, AL & 48 other states
You can take steps to help protect Medicare for the future.
1. Check your Summary of Benefits you receive from Medicare to make sure the charges are correct and that you actually received them.
2. Make sure you have a secure account with Medicare and do not give out your Medicare number to anyone you do not know.
3. Report to 1-800Medicare any charges or supplies you receive that are not correct.
Answered by Karen Ansell on May 26, 2025
Agent Licensed in FL, GA, KY & OH
Answered by Sonya Chandler on May 21, 2025
Agent Licensed in NY, AZ, FL & 5 other states
Answered by Areasha Lockhart on May 20, 2025
Broker Licensed in CO, IA & ME
2. Never share personal information with solicitors who contact you by phone or email, especially those that claim to be from Social Security. Social Security will only contact you via postal mail.
3. Safeguard your Medicare number. Do not share your Medicare number with anyone except your doctor's office or authorized Medicare agent.
4. Stay away from "free" perks and services in exchange for your personal information.
*personal information includes your Social Security number, Medicare number, date of birth, financial information, name, address
Answered by Britania James on April 17, 2025
Broker Licensed in AL, CA, FL & 7 other states
Tags: Advice for Seniors
Agents: Share Your Expertise
Have insights or experiences related to this topic? Help others by sharing your knowledge and answering this question.
Seniors: Ask a Question of Your Own
Questions are generally answered within 1 to 3 business days. Receive valuable perspectives from multiple licensed agents and brokers.
Ask a Question