OKLAHOMA BRIEFS

New Medicare cards are being issued

Oklahoma’s 675,000 residents on Medicare will get new, more secure cards starting this month. The card will have a new Medicare number that’s unique to each person instead of the person’s Social Security Number.

“The change to a new Medicare number will help protect citizens from identity theft and fraud,” Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak said. “But with these new security measures comes an opportunity for scammers to take advantage

of unsuspecting Medicare recipients. We want everyone to be aware.”

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has already spotted several scams involving the new cards. Medicare beneficiaries should know the following:

• Do not pay for a new Medicare card. They are free.

• Never give your Social Security number, bank account number or cash to anyone who says it’s needed in order to receive the new Medicare card. Medicare recipients do not need to do anything to get a new card. They are automatically mailed out.

• Do not give your Medicare number to people you

don’t know.

• Destroy your old Medicare card. Once you get your new Medicare card, destroy your old Medicare card and start using your new one right away. Don’t just throw the old card away — shred it or cut it into small pieces.

If you have questions or need help with your new card, call the Oklahoma Insurance Department’s Medicare Assistance Program at 800-763-2828.

OKC-based Candor wins national honor

Oklahoma City-based Candor received a national Public Relations Society of America Silver Anvil Award of Excellence for its work on the Oklahoma City Fraternal Order of Police “Protect OKC” campaign.

The public affairs campaign helped pass a quarter-cent sales tax for public safety in Oklahoma City in 2017. The vote secured funding for 129 new police officer positions.

“Helping increase public safety in Oklahoma City was a proud moment for our firm,” said Candor President and CEO Karen Wicker.

Candor also received a Bronze Anvil Award of Commendation for production of a Business to Business webcast series.