Medicare open enrollment a prime time for fraud

It’s that time of year again. Open Enrollment for Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans started Oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 7.

It is so important that you review your Medicare Part D plans and your Medicare Advantage plans (if you have one) every year. Plans change and you want to make sure your prescriptions and doctors (for Advantage Plans) are still in your network.

The changes you can make during Medicare’s Open Enrollment include:

• Joining a new Medicare Advantage Plan or Part D prescription drug plan

• Switching from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan

• Switching from a Medicare Advantage Plan to Original Medicare (with or without a Part D plan)

You should always shop for a new drug plan and Medicare Advantage plan each year to ensure you are getting the best coverage for the best price to suit your needs. You can shop and compare plans at www.medicare.gov. Get a family member to help if you don’t use the Internet or call the State Health Insurance Assistance Program at 800-252-9240 and speak to a qualified benefits counselor.

Look out for these common Medicare Part D enrollment scams in the coming months:

• “Medicare” or another health plan calls and wants to send you a new health card for $299.

• You receive a call about a refund from last year’s premiums or your drug plan cost.

• An agent tries to sign you up for a plan that you don’t need, isn’t right for you, or doesn’t even exist.

• You receive a call offering big discounts on a new health insurance plan.

• An agent pressures your with time limits to enroll in their plan.

• An agent offers you gifts to enroll in their plan.

• Someone asks for your Medicare number, Social Security number, and/or bank information just to provide you with information. Someone can use this personal information to enroll you in a plan without your permission.

Agent/broker prohibited behaviors

• Agents may not state they are from Medicare or use the term “Medicare” in a misleading manner.

• Agents may not approach beneficiaries in public — beneficiaries must approach the agent at public events or health care settings.

• Agents are not allowed to conduct marketing or sales activities in healthcare settings except in common areas. Restricted areas include, but are not limited to exam rooms, hospital patient rooms, dialysis centers and pharmacy counter areas.

• Agents cannot send unsolicited text messages and leave voicemail messages. However, agents may call or visit beneficiaries who attended a marketing or sales event when prior permission is given and documented.

Tips on how to stop fraud during open enrollment:

• Medicare will never call, visit, or text they will only send information via postal mail service.

• Guard your Medicare number like your credit card number.

• Don’t give out your Medicare number, except to your doctor or other providers.

• Don’t let someone pressure you into making a quick decision about your health care plan. You can use the entire Open Enrollment period to make your decision.

• If you receive a call from someone requesting personal information, hang up immediately.

• No health care plan is allowed to cold call.

If you are unsure about a call or want to check out a company, please call the BBB first at 713-341-6141. If you have any questions or want to report scams, call the Texas Senior Medicare Patrol at 888-341-6187.