Medicare Drug Plan Scams

The enrollment period for Medicare Part D began January 1 and con artists are at work finding ways to take advantage of the confusing number of programs available. To protect yourself from these scam artists, you need to know the following:

• Companies offering approved Medicare programs are forbidden to call, visit or send email to you unless they are asked to do so by you.
• You cannot enroll for a drug plan or pay over the phone unless you are adding prescription drug coverage to a Medicare Health plan you already have.
• The Medicare plan is voluntary and if you are told you must join or lose other Medicare benefits, it's a scam.
• Never give your Medicare or Medicaid number to anyone offering a "free" service.
• Personal information such as your Social Security number, credit card information or bank account number should never be given unless you are sure that the company is Medicare-approved. To check on a company, call Medicare's toll-free number: 1-800-633-4227 This number is often busy so it may be best to try calling Thursday through Sunday, 6 pm to 6 am.