Medicare Scam Calls: A Growing Concern for Beneficiaries

LEHI — For Debbie Worthington, hearing the tune of Kenny Rogers’ “The Gambler” has turned into an unpleasant experience. What was once a favorite ringtone has become a constant reminder of unsolicited calls concerning Medicare. These calls, coming from seemingly local numbers, have inundated her daily life.

The Nature of the Calls

Many of these callers claim to provide information about Medicare benefits, supplemental insurance, or prescription coverage. Worthington notes that they consistently inquire if she has Medicare Part A and B. “Every single time, they ask if you have part A and B,” she explained, reflecting on the repetitive nature of these calls.

Understanding Medicare Regulations

It’s essential to note that these phone calls are not authorized by Medicare. The Medicare program strictly forbids cold calling beneficiaries, meaning any unexpected calls regarding Medicare are already in violation of the rules. Worthington expresses her frustration: “I am just so tired of having phone calls.”

The Threat of Medicare Fraud

The reason behind these persistent calls is not merely to pester; the ultimate goal is much more sinister. Scammers aim to steal Medicare numbers, which can be used to fraudulently bill the system for various medical supplies and services that victims never ordered or received.

The Financial Impact of Fraud

The ramifications of this fraud extend far beyond individual victims. The Department of Justice estimates that Medicare fraud results in an astounding loss of approximately $60 billion each year. This figure represents taxpayer money that could be better utilized for actual healthcare services.

Challenges in Combatting Spam Calls

While Worthington has attempted to combat these scams by blocking calls and using a spam filter app, her efforts have yielded minimal success. “You can block them, but they go around to a different phone number,” she laments. Consequently, she finds herself resorting to screening calls, often missing important communications in the process.

How to Protect Yourself

As the open enrollment season approaches, the frequency of these Medicare scam calls is expected to surge. Medicare advises beneficiaries to exercise caution and never disclose their Medicare number over the phone unless they have initiated the call to a trusted provider. If you encounter suspicious calls, report them to Medicare by calling 1-800-MEDICARE to help combat this growing issue.