Health Care Scams Target Senior Citizens in Michigan, Indiana, Other States. Hello, senior citizens. If someone calls or visits you to say that they need your signature and/or your Social Security or Medicare number for the processing of your rebate checks under the Affordable Health Care Act, do not believe them. Do not sign anything they ask you to sign and do not give them any personal information.
Those guys (or gals) asking for your signature or personal information are nothing but scam artists.
The fact is that once you become eligible for the rebate check, you will automatically receive the check from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). No action is required on your part. So those who are asking you to do something to get your rebate are only after your money.
Here’s the press release from the Indiana Association of Area Agencies on Aging (IAAAA) about the health care scams perpetrated on some senior citizens by unscrupulous people:
The Indiana Association of Area Agencies on Aging (IAAAA) warns Indiana seniors not to fall victim to scams taking place in Michigan and other states.
“Scammers are calling or visiting seniors to say they need personal information, such as a Social Security or Medicare number, and/or a signature to process the rebate checks. They don’t,” says Tamra Simpson, program director for SMP (also known as Senior Medicare Patrol). “Seniors should never, ever, give their Social Security or their Medicare number to anyone over the phone, and no forms are needed for these rebates.”
Other scam tactics that you should be aware of (courtesy of the IAAAA):
Lie: Callers telling seniors they need new Medicare cards because of the new Affordable Health Care Act.
Fact: Seniors need do nothing to receive any benefits of the Affordable Health Care Act.
Lie: Insurance agents claiming that the new health care law requires seniors to change their health care benefits plans, including Part D plans.
Fact: The Affordable Care Act gives seniors more control over their health care choices. No senior is required to make any changes to their Medicare plans. For legitimate information about how the new health care law affects seniors, they should visit www.healthcare.gov.
Lie: An insurance salesman mailed a “release form” to his policyholders that authorized him to make medical decisions for them.
Fact: Never sign a form until you’re sure you completely understand its contents; take nothing for granted. Contact a trusted source or your local SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) office; in Indiana, call 1-800-452-4800 (TDD 1-866-846-0139).
Lie: Callers claiming to represent Medicare and asking for seniors’ Medicare numbers.
Fact: Medicare will never call and ask for anyone’s Medicare number. If you receive such a call, take the person’s name, write down the number he or she is calling from (use your caller ID, if possible), and report the call to 1-800-MEDICARE.
Health Care Scams Target Senior Citizens in Michigan, Indiana, Other States. Posted 28 August 2010. Last updated 28 August 2010.