Beware of Medicare coronavirus scams

— from Pegi Groundwater —

Medicare beneficiaries are starting to receive robocalls about “special virus kits.”  The scammer asks the person for their Medicare number so they can send them a “free” test. Please tell clients if they receive this type of call, to hang up immediately and do not provide them with any information! It’s a scam to get their private personal information.

As you counsel clients, please warn them about this scam and encourage them to decline any such requests due to the potential for fraud. Remember to share these messages with your clients:

• Do not give out your Medicare number or Social Security number. Be cautious of unsolicited requests for your Medicare or Social Security numbers. If your personal information is compromised, it may be used in other fraud schemes.
• Do not consent to any virus tests over the phone or at senior centers, health fairs, or in your home. If you think you need the test, talk to your doctor.
• Monitor your Medicare Summary Notice to see if there are any services you didn’t have or didn’t want but were billed for. Medicare Summary Notices are sent every three months if you get any services or medical supplies during that three-month period.

SHIBA is Washington state’s Senior Medicare Patrol project. We can help clients prevent, detect and report Medicare and Medicaid fraud and abuse. If clients have questions or suspect fraud or abuse, tell them to contact us online or call 1-800-562-6900 and ask to speak with SHIBA.