Protect yourself by protecting your Medicare card!
The next Medicare Open Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7) is coming fast, which means con artists may try to steal your identity and commit Medicare fraud. Medicare has taken actions to make Medicare cards safer by replacing Social Security Numbers with more secure ID numbers. But even with those efforts, fraudsters may still try to take advantage of you during Open Enrollment.
Medicare fraud results in higher health care costs for taxpayers just like you. That’s why it’s so important to know how to protect your Medicare card and Number.
What can you do to protect yourself and prevent Medicare fraud?
The most important thing you can do is guard your Medicare card like it’s a credit card. Don’t give your Medicare card or Number to anyone except your doctor or people you know should have it.
You can also:
- Keep your Medicare Number to yourself. If you get a call from people promising you things if you give them your Medicare Number — don’t do it. This is a common Medicare scam.
- Refuse any offer of money or gifts for free medical care. A common ploy of identity thieves is to say they can send you your free gift right away — they just need your Medicare Number.
- Use a calendar to record all of your doctors’ appointments and any tests you get. When you check your Medicare statements, look out for any items and services listed and other details that don’t look correct. If you see a charge or service that you think is incorrect and you know the provider, call their office and ask about it.
- Learn how a Medicare plan works before you join.
- Stay alert for fraud during the coronavirus disease 2019 (or COVID-19) national emergency. Con artists like to take advantage of people when they’re distracted.
Committing Medicare fraud is illegal & you should report it
If you suspect fraud, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048. If you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare drug plan, call the Medicare Drug Integrity Contractor (MEDIC) at 1-877-7SAFERX (1-877-772-3379).
Learn how to protect yourself from health care fraud. Visit Medicare.gov/fraud for more information on how to help fight Medicare fraud.
Get ready! Medicare’s Open Enrollment starts October 15.
/in Medicare News /by mglYou can enroll in Medicare health and drug plans from October 15 – December 7. Get ready for Medicare’s Open Enrollment with these 5 tips:
You may also get brochures and other marketing materials from insurance companies that offer Medicare health and prescription drug plans. Remember — plans aren’t allowed to call or come to your home without an invitation from you. Find out how to protect yourself from Medicare fraud.
Visit Medicare.gov to sign up to get important news & updates by email from Medicare.
Social Security Expands Compassionate Allowances Program for the Disabled
/0 Comments/in News /by adminKilolo Kijakazi, Acting Commissioner of Social Security, announced 12 new Compassionate Allowances conditions for the Disabled
Men and Stroke – Advice and Tips From the CDC
/0 Comments/in News /by adminStroke is a leading cause of death in men, killing almost the same number of men each year as prostate cancer and Alzheimer’s disease combined.1 Stroke is also a leading cause of long-term disability,2 and men under age 44 are hospitalized for ischemic stroke at a higher rate than women in the same age group.
Guard your card: How to protect your Medicare card
/in Medicare News /by mglProtect yourself by protecting your Medicare card!
The next Medicare Open Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7) is coming fast, which means con artists may try to steal your identity and commit Medicare fraud. Medicare has taken actions to make Medicare cards safer by replacing Social Security Numbers with more secure ID numbers. But even with those efforts, fraudsters may still try to take advantage of you during Open Enrollment.
Medicare fraud results in higher health care costs for taxpayers just like you. That’s why it’s so important to know how to protect your Medicare card and Number.
What can you do to protect yourself and prevent Medicare fraud?
The most important thing you can do is guard your Medicare card like it’s a credit card. Don’t give your Medicare card or Number to anyone except your doctor or people you know should have it.
You can also:
Committing Medicare fraud is illegal & you should report it
If you suspect fraud, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048. If you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare drug plan, call the Medicare Drug Integrity Contractor (MEDIC) at 1-877-7SAFERX (1-877-772-3379).
Learn how to protect yourself from health care fraud. Visit Medicare.gov/fraud for more information on how to help fight Medicare fraud.
Prevention is key—protect yourself with vaccines
/in Medicare News /by mglMore than 79% of people 65 and over are fully vaccinated for COVID-19—but are you defending yourself from other life-threatening illnesses, like pneumonia and the flu? Getting vaccinated is a simple, safe, and effective way to protect yourself.
According to the CDC, “vaccines greatly reduce the risk of infection by working with the body’s natural defenses to safely develop immunity to disease.” They strengthen your immune system and train it to create antibodies, like it does when it’s exposed to a disease.
Medicare covers a variety of vaccinations, including:
Also, you no longer need to wait 14 days between different vaccines. According to the CDC, you can get a COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines, including flu and shingles, at the same visit.
Adults need to keep their vaccinations up to date because immunity from childhood vaccines can wear off over time. Talk to your doctor to help you decide which vaccines are right for you.
Do Medicare Plans Cover Fitness?
/0 Comments/in News /by adminHow can I get help with transportation?
/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by adminHow can I get help with transportation? Does Medicare cover transportation to my medical appointments?
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) generally does not cover transportation to get routine health care. It does cover emergency transportation in an ambulance.
However, Medicare Advantage plans may cover transportation for your medical needs. One benefit that is covered under some plans is transportation to and from doctor’s visits.
Tips for Choosing Prescription Drug Plans
/in Uncategorized /by admin6 Tips for Choosing Medicare Drug Coverage According to medicare.gov
Black Medicare Beneficiaries Are More Likely Than White Beneficiaries to Have Cost-Related Problems with Their Health Care, Across both Traditional Medicare and in Medicare Advantage Plans
/in Uncategorized /by adminBlack Medicare Beneficiaries Are More Likely Than White Beneficiaries to Have Cost-Related Problems with Their Health Care, Across both Traditional Medicare and in Medicare Advantage Plans
White House Takes Steps On Veteran Mental Health, Surprise Bills, Infrastructure
/in Uncategorized /by adminWhite House Takes Steps On Veteran Mental Health, Surprise Bills, Infrastructure