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Putnam County Office for the Aging Issues Important Medicare Fraud Alert
Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) is a partnership between the Federal government and New York State agencies to fight fraud and abuse in Medicare and Medicaid. SMP encourages beneficiaries to report suspected cases of health care fraud and abuse. It acts to eliminate fraud, waste and abuse through systematic changes and recommendations. Finally, it works with federal, state and local agencies to maximize their resources in fighting fraud.
With the open enrollment quickly approaching, regarding Health and Prescription coverage, please be aware of the following to prevent fraudulent activities:
-Never give out personal information such as Medicare / Medicaid number, social security numbes, banking information, etc., to any company that solicits you.
-Do not feel pressured into making a decision from a company that calls over and over again.
The following are several scenarios of the latest Medicare scams:
-Individuals identify themselves as employees of the Social Security Administration (SSA). The callers indicate that SSA is sending out replacement Social Security and Medicare cards and they need to verify a beneficiary's personal and/or direct deposit banking information.
-Caller states that Medicare is raising their premiums and offering; fewer benefits. Caller states they are offering a National Health Cards for a one-time fee of $89 that would be good for a lifetime. It would pay up to 80% of all medical expenses. Caller asks for bank account information.
-Beware of collect call scams. A report has been made regarding scammers making collect calls to seniors claiming they are from Medicare or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The caller asks to verify personal information (name, address, Medicare number and bank routing numbers). If individuals receive collect calls from scammers claiming to work with Medicare, they should not accept the charges.
If you suspect any type of fraud, please call the SMP at 1-877-678-4697, or Lynn Hill, HIICAP Coordinator, at 845-225-1034, ext. 115.
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