Times Chronicle & Public Spirit
BEWARE OF MEDICARE SCAMS
There are many facets of Medicare that need to be considered once you’re eligible, but scams to keep your eye out for might not be on your radar.
“We usually have a Medicare 101 session once a year, and we just had a speaker on Medicare scams,” said Brian Parkes, executive director of the TriCounty Active Adult Center in Pottstown.
Attendees were given tips by a speaker from Senior Medicare Patrol on how to detect scams.
“They were encouraged to review their statements of benefits for things like doctors overbilling Medicare or charges for medical equipment they never received or don’t need,” Parkes said.
AARP has its own Fraud Watch Network that serves as watchdogs for such scams. It emphasizes that criminals target medical benefits to reap millions of dollars and offer ways to stay safe on its website. The more knowledge you have about potential scams, the better equipped you will be to stay ahead of scams.
“Never give your Medicare number to anyone who calls on the telephone,” AARP advises. “Share it only with your health care providers or if you have placed a call to Medicare.”
If someone offers you free genetic testing in person or online, AARP states it is a scam.
“Medicare does not pay for these tests unless they are ordered by a medical professional,” AARP advises.
Other phone calls to look out for that are fraudulent, according to AARP, are those where someone promised you COVID-19 tests, medical equipment or medical services in return for your Medicare number.
“Hang up,” they advise. “It’s fraudulent activity.”
Another important thing to note is that Medicare will not reach out to you regarding enrollment.
“If someone calls and makes a pitch to help you enroll in the program, that’s a scam, AARP says.
For more information on scams and navigating Medicare, Parkes recommends a convenient avenue to take that might involve a place you already frequent as a member.
“Most senior centers can connect people with a PA MEDI (formerly APPRISE) trained volunteer or staff member who can help decipher Medicare options and supplemental or advantage plans,” he said. “There is no charge for this service.”
The Active Adult Center’s PA MEDI counselor is provided through RSVP, a volunteer recruitment, training and placement organization.
PA MEDI Counselors do not sell Medicare products. They offer current, unbiased Medicare education to help you make the most informed choice about the Medicare options available to you.
“Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight (PA MEDI) offers free Medicare counseling to older Pennsylvanians,” the Pennsylvania Department of Aging states on its website. “PA MEDI Counselors are specially trained to answer your questions and provide you with objective, easy-to-understand information about Medicare, Medicare Supplemental Insurance, Medicaid and long-term care insurance.”
You can get started with a counselor by learning to understand eligibility and enrollment. Next, you can get into more specific details on things such as your Medicare prescription drug benefit and financial assistance programs that may be available to help pay for your Medicare premiums, deductible and co-pays, as well as your prescription drug needs.
“To get started, contact the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) serving your local area,” the Office of Aging advises, adding that you can find your area’s agency using the AAA locator they provide on the Office of Aging website at www. aging.pa.gov.