The scams related to Medicare cards persist! Beneficiaries from around the state continue to receive calls asking them about their Medicare card. The caller often identifies themselves as being from Medicare, and that they are “just following up on the status of your Medicare card”. The scam has a few variations, such as:
Asking the Medicare beneficiary if they have received the new Medicare card.
Questioning if they knew that their red, white, and blue Medicare card is going to expire. (There is no expiration date on the Medicare card.)
Inquiring if their doctor’s name is on their Medicare card. If not, the card needs to be updated to avoid interruption of services. (Health care provider information is NOT included on a Medicare card for any reason.)
When the beneficiary says that they have not received a new card, the caller is more than happy to help them get the “new or updated card”. The person on the phone then just asks them to “verify” their Medicare number.
If you receive this type of call, simply hang up, as the caller is trying to get your information to scam you and Medicare.
There is NOT a new Medicare card. Not a plastic card, a card with a chip, a different colored card, a laminated option, or a different card because of COVID-19. There are NO NEW Medicare cards, for any reason. Your paper red, white, and blue card is the only card issued by Medicare.
Protect Yourself with These Tips
Be aware that no one from Medicare, Social Security, or the IRS will call you
No one from Medicare, Social Security, or the IRS will visit you at home or at a community event
Be cautioned that scammers’ technology can make the phone number on your screen appear that the call is from Medicare, Social Security, or the IRS
Medicare, Social Security, or the IRS will not threaten that your coverage or payments will be cut off if you do not comply
If the caller is pressuring you to act now and giving you a sense of urgency, it is a scam
Keep in Mind
Do not give out your Medicare number except to your doctor or other Medicare provider
Treat your Medicare card like your credit card
Do not share any personal information or bank information
If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is
Be cautious of offers for “free” medical services
Watch out for identity theft
Source: Wisconsin Senior Medicare Patrol