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  Geebo 8:00 am on July 22, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: health insurance ( 7 ), medical identity theft, medicare ( 19 ), new medicare card ( 7 ), Scams ( 1,531 )   

  Medicare Card Scam Targets Retirees 

  

  By Greg Collier

  A growing number of Medicare enrollees across the country are being targeted by phone scammers posing as representatives from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. These imposters claim to be contacting beneficiaries about updates to their Medicare cards, but their real objective is to steal personal information such as Medicare identification numbers.

  This scam is especially concerning for recent retirees who are still becoming familiar with how the Medicare system works. Criminals often rely on confusion or urgency to pressure individuals into handing over sensitive data. In many cases, they claim the changes are related to new policies involving Medicare or Social Security and that a new card must be issued. Some targets report being told that the card is changing to plastic, that it will contain a chip, or that it is being updated because of the new year. These claims are entirely false.

  The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services does not call enrollees out of the blue or request personal information unless a person has initiated contact. No new Medicare cards are currently being issued, and there are no plans to switch to chip-enabled cards or any other new format.

  The implications of giving away a Medicare number can be serious. Stolen Medicare credentials can be used by fraudsters to file false claims for medical equipment, medications, or procedures that never occurred. In extreme cases, criminals have enrolled unsuspecting beneficiaries into hospice care without their knowledge, fraudulently billing the federal government for end-of-life services while the individuals are still alive and healthy.

  Medicare enrollees should treat their Medicare card with the same level of care as a credit or debit card. If there is any concern that a number has been compromised, it is critical to contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE to report the incident and, if necessary, request a new number.

  Protecting your Medicare number is essential to ensuring your benefits are not misused. If you receive an unsolicited call asking for personal Medicare information, hang up and verify the request directly with Medicare before taking any further steps.

   

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  Geebo 8:00 am on May 17, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: healthcare ( 43 ), identity theft ( 120 ), insurance fraud ( 6 ), medical identity theft, Scams ( 1,531 )   

  Medical identity theft prevents crucial treatment 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Imagine receiving a cancer diagnosis, only to discover that your path to treatment is obstructed by an identity theft scam. This was the reality for a patient at a free clinic in Brevard County, Florida. She had canceled her legitimate health insurance because she couldn’t afford the copays, and was depending on the clinic’s partnership with a top-tier cancer hospital to access the necessary care through an indigent care program.

  When the clinic attempted to enroll her in the hospital’s financial assistance program, they discovered that someone had stolen her social security number and taken out a fraudulent insurance policy in her name. This policy was used by the scammer to earn a commission, with the premiums being paid using a tax credit and sent to a fake address. As a result, the hospital’s system showed she already had insurance, disqualifying her from the assistance program she desperately needed.

  The fraudulent policy cost the patient precious time. She went months without any cancer treatment, a critical period when early intervention is paramount. The volunteer-led clinic realized the extent of the problem and sought help from the cancer hospital. However, the fraudulent policy blocked this route.

  Upon uncovering the scam, the clinic’s director filed a fraud report and managed to get the fake policy canceled. They are now working diligently to expedite her access to the cancer treatment she needs. Despite this progress, the delay has already had serious implications for her health.

  Medical identity theft can be difficult to prevent entirely, especially for those who are already vulnerable. However, there are several proactive steps individuals can take to help protect themselves from such scams.

  Request a copy of your medical records annually from your healthcare providers to ensure there are no inaccuracies or unfamiliar services listed. Shred documents containing personal information, such as medical bills, insurance statements, and other records that include your SSN or medical details. If contacted by someone claiming to be from a healthcare provider or insurance company, verify their identity by calling the organization directly using a known phone number. Carefully review any Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statements you receive from your insurance provider. Look for unfamiliar services or charges and report any discrepancies immediately.

  By taking these precautions, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of becoming victims of medical identity theft and be better prepared to address any issues swiftly if they arise.