Consumer Watch: Beware of ID scammers picking Medicare plan

photo Ellen Phillips

AARP advises anyone who might be considering an open enrollment insurance move to beware of identity thieves.

Medicare schemers are among the very worse. Posing as employees from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the crooks claim you need new cards from the government and want to verify confidential information, including your Medicare number (which is also your Social Security number). Don't. Medicare will never - I repeat, never - call, email or visit unannounced to collect data it already possesses. (And Medicare has no plans to issue new cards anytime in the foreseeable future.) So what are the best methods to guard your private information during open enrollment season?

1. Do not reveal account number. Scammers may say they need your bank account number to process payment for a medical bill. Don't even think of answering. Just. Hang. Up.

2. Beware of Caller ID. Crooks often have the means to manipulate the system to make whatever name/number they want appear on your screen.

3. There's no free ride. Be wary of free medical supply offers that require a credit card for shipping as well as traveling clinics and pop-up stores that ask for your personal data.

4. Supplemental Medicare or insurance plans can be a swindle. If told a product will save you thousands of dollars, go to Medicare.gov and review the medigap policies.

5. Examine your Medicare summaries. These arrive every quarter like clockwork. Check these summaries carefully or check online at my Medicare.gov.

Contact Ellen Phillips at consumerwatch@times freepress.com.

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