FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE: OCTOBER 19, 2015
RE: PRESS RELEASE – TIS THE SEASON FOR MEDICARE SCAMS
The 2015 Medicare open enrollment has begun. Open enrollment is the period between October 15 and December 7, when Medicare recipients can make changes to their plans. It’s the time for consumers age 65 and older to assess their Medicare plans and consider various plan options.
The Ulster County District Attorney’s Division of Consumer Affairs warns scammers take advantage of the publicity surrounding open enrollment to prey on senior citizens. Consumer Affairs offers this advice:
· Don’t provide Social Security numbers or account information to callers who claim to be Medicare employees. Medicare employees will not call and request such information by phone.
· Don’t provide personal information to callers who claim to be calling on behalf of a doctor, hospital or health agency. When seniors are uncertain about the identity of a caller, they should directly contact the organization in question.
· Medicare does not have door-to-door sales representatives. Anyone who shows up unsolicited and says they work for Medicare is a fraud. Do not talk to them. Call the police.
· Be wary of offers to have free medical exams or supplies. Scammers may use these offers to obtain your personal information.
· Beware of demands that billing information be provided by phone or e-mail and refusals to provide information by mail. Medicare plan reps are not allowed to ask for payment over the phone or on the web.
· Finally, be guarded against high pressure or aggressive sales tactics. Do not make a decision until you’ve had a chance to discuss it with a trusted friend or relative who can assist you with determining what best suits your needs.
Consumer Affairs can be reached at 340-3260.