Medigap News

Because the process of enrolling in Medicare and then supplementing the coverage for more complete care involves working with a government agency as well as private insurers, the industry can be rife with scammers who try to dupe seniors into signing up for covered that isn’t in their best interest.

The Better Business Bureau of Idaho has put out a warning to seniors: Beware of phone callers who claim to be calling from Medicare. They are NOT.

Senior citizens all around southern Idaho report receiving telephone calls from individuals claiming to be from Medicare or calling on behalf of Medicare. The callers tell our senior citizens that their insurance benefits are about to expire and the seniors must renew to ensure continued service. The telephone renewal process consists of providing a Social Security number as “identification,” and a bank account for the deposit of benefits.

Unfortunately, this scenario is not at all uncommon, though the contact sometimes happens in the form of uninvited home visits or slightly less intrusive direct mail pieces. Because of the complication of the process, it’s very easy to get uneducated, naive seniors who are simply trying to get the best coverage that they can to sign up for programs that are not at all in their best interest.

The Better Business Bureau offers these tips to seniors who are at risk of being scammed:

• Never give your Social Security number or bank account number to someone claiming to be from a government agency. When in doubt, hang up and call the agency directly using a number published in a local phone directory.

• Remember that Medicare communicates to participants in writing.

• Optional prescription-drug programs are available from many established, reliable insurance providers. Visit with your private provider or a trusted insurance representative to understand all your options.

• Don’t confuse “health programs” with health insurance. If the program doesn’t specifically say it is insurance, it is likely a membership or discount buying program and may not reimburse you for drugs and other medical expenses.

If you are currently contemplating a change in coverage, or if you have been contacted by someone who has made you doubt the healthcare choices that you have made, please contact a qualified, licensed agent who can help you understand exactly what your choices are.   

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