Hello Toni:
I have a problem and I need your help. I am a 79 year old female who lives alone in Meyerland. Yesterday, a representative from Medicare called me asking all types of personal questions. I told them, I did not give personal information over the phone. I’m concerned this could be a scam, but then if it was Medicare, I’m concerned I could have made a mistake. Can you please advise me what I should do or where I could call to see if Medicare is trying to contact me? Thanks in advance…Alice from Houston,TX
Don’t Worry Alice:
You can relax because you were correct not to give your personal information over the phone due to the fact that Medicare or even Social Security does not randomly call your home or office and ask for your personal information. Medicare already has all of the information they need about you. Medicare or Social Security will never call you!! They generally will send you a letter to let you know you need to contact them.
When someone calls, just as this person did, it is considered Medicare fraud and Medicare is very concerned about Medicare fraud. See pages 116-120 of the 2012 Medicare & You handbook for information on Medicare fraud and identity theft. There is a new organization called Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program that helps people on Medicare learn how to detect Medicare fraud and abuse. The SMP program not only protects people on Medicare, SMP also helps to preserve the Medicare program. To contact the local SMP Houston office call 713/341-6184 or toll free 1/888-341-6187
Here are a few tips to help protect you against Medicare fraud:
- Do not carry your Medicare card with you. Keep it in a safe place.
- Never give your Medicare or Social Security number to strangers, especially those who call you on the phone or come to your door. Just like you tell your grandkids not to talk to stranger, you need not talk to them either. Play the Stranger Danger game.
- Do NOT accept “free” offers in exchange for your Medicare number. Remember, there is nothing “free”. They will have Medicare pay for whatever they are offering and they will use your Medicare number to get it paid for!!
- Do not accept offers from door to door sales people. Watch out who you let in your house.
- Never sign a blank form
- When someone calls and says they represent Medicare get their name and phone number, then HANG UP!!! And call the Texas SMP office at 713/341-6184 or 1/888-341-6187.
Medicare fraud is exploding and stealing “Senior’s valuable Medicare dollars. The only way to stop it is to let your friends know what I have just told you. We need to stand together and stop those who only want to make a “fast buck” from Medicare. Together, we can do that!
Hello Toni:
Over a year ago, I had cataract eye surgery and have also had other minor eye surgeries which have kept me from getting the pair of glasses since my vision has changed from the “original” cataract surgery. Now that it has been over a year, Medicare is denying me the one pair of glasses. I feel I am entitled to the glasses. Who should I talk to about getting my glasses? Thanks, Sandy from Sugar Land
Hi there Sandy:
I would appeal Medicare’s decision and fight for your pair of glasses since you have had cataract surgery. See pages 107-113 in the 2012 Medicare & You handbook and follow the appeal process. Get your doctor to help with writing a letter. Call 1/800-MEDICARE (633/4227) and ask how to appeal Medicare’s decision.
Toni King is an advocate/consultant for those “Confused about Medicare”. Medicare open enrollment begins Oct 15th and if you would like a “Confused about Medicare” workshop for your church, group or company send Toni an email at toni@tonysays.com or call 281/830-3896. Visit Toni’s new website and blog at www.tonisays.com.
