10 Common Medicare Scams and How to Protect Yourself

Medicare is an essential program for millions of older adults and individuals with disabilities, but it is also a frequent target for scammers. Below are the most common scams and how to protect yourself:

1. Fake Health Plans

Scammers create health plans that mimic Medicare, requesting personal information to steal data or money. Protection Tip: Always verify any health plan offer directly with Medicare before providing personal information.

2. Free Medical Equipment Offers

Offers of free medical equipment, such as wheelchairs, request your Medicare number to bill for services not provided. Protection Tip: Never provide your Medicare number to strangers offering free equipment.

3. Fraudulent Telemarketing Calls

Calls impersonating Medicare, requesting personal information or payments for unsolicited services. Protection Tip: Remember, Medicare never calls without an appointment.Kiplinger+10LifeLock+10Federal Bureau of Investigation+10

4. Medicare Card Scams

Offers of "new" or "improved" Medicare cards for a fee, when in reality, all cards are free.

Protection Tip: Medicare never requests payment for new cards.Wikipedia

5. Medical Identity Theft

Using your Medicare number to obtain medical services or products without your knowledge. Protection Tip: Protect your Medicare number as you would your Social Security number.

6. Billing for Services Not Provided

Providers bill Medicare for services or equipment that were never provided to the patient.

Protection Tip: Review your Medicare summaries for suspicious charges.Medicare

7. Fake Prescription Drug Plans

Promotion of non-existent prescription drug plans, requesting personal information or advance payments. Protection Tip: Verify any drug plan offer directly with Medicare.

8. "Information Update" Calls

Requests for personal information under the guise of updating Medicare records, without being an official request. Protection Tip: Medicare never requests personal information by phone without an appointment.

9. "Free Benefits Packages" Offers

Offers of free packages requiring your Medicare number, later used for fraudulent billing.

Protection Tip: Be cautious of offers requesting your Medicare number without a valid reason.

10. Social Media and Email Scams

Fake messages on social media or emails requesting personal or financial information related to Medicare. Protection Tip: Do not click on suspicious links and verify the authenticity of any communication before providing information.