Coronavirus-Related Medicare Scam Alert
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: February 21, 2023
Since older Americans are particularly vulnerable to coronavirus (COVID-19), I wanted to remind Medicare beneficiaries to be vigilant and take precautions to avoid falling victim to healthcare fraud during this pandemic.
We’re warning Medicare beneficiaries that scammers may try to use this pandemic to steal their Medicare number, banking information, or other personal data.
Unfortunately, scammers take advantage of the most vulnerable during times of uncertainty and change. You must protect yourself by making sure you only give your Medicare number to your doctor, pharmacist, hospital, health insurer, or other trusted healthcare provider.
If someone calls you on the phone, saying they’re from Medicare, and asks for your Medicare number or other personal information – just hang up.
Our representatives will never:
- Call beneficiaries to ask for or to “verify” Medicare numbers.
- Call to sell you anything.
- Promise you things if you give them a Medicare number.
- Visit you at your home.
- Call you to enroll you in a Medicare program over the phone, unless you called us first.
We removed Social Security numbers from all Medicare cards last year to reduce fraud and protect our beneficiaries from identity theft. Even with this change, you should guard your Medicare card like you would a credit card. Be sure to check your Medicare claim summaries for errors and questionable bills.
If you suspect Medicare fraud, please report it by calling Medicare’s toll-free customer service center at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). You can also visit us online.
Please help spread the word by sharing this message with family and friends. Your health and safety is important to us. So, please continue to follow President Trump’s public health guidelines by staying home. These simple actions could save more than 1 million American lives in the weeks and months to come.
For more information on Medicare and telehealth, check out Administrator Verma’s previous guest blog.
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Tags: COVID-19, fraud, Medicare
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Chima
We will not lose faith as God is on our side. strenuousblog.com
Dataexpert010
Wednesday
saber
if my wife should draw early at 62 on her benefit. My benefit is higher than hers as I worked to 70. When I die she will be eligible for my higher payment but will it be reduced because she drew her benefit early?
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spencer a.
I am currently drawing my ss benefit and trying to decide if my wife should draw early at 62 on her benefit. My benefit is higher than hers as I worked to 70. When I die she will be eligible for my higher payment but will it be reduced because she drew her benefit early?
Vonda V.
Hi Spencer, thank you for your question. Typically, a widow or widower at full (survivors) retirement age or older generally receives 100% of the deceased worker’s amount, a widow or widower under full retirement age receives about 71 to 99 percent of the worker’s benefit amount, and a widow or widower with a child younger than age 16 receives 75 percent of the worker’s benefit amount. For more information about how much a survivor benefit would be, visit our Survivors Planner. We hope this helps.
Md A.
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Brandy
I am on ssi as well as my 19 yr old son and im his payee for mental and physical disabilities ive read modt of imformation both on irs and social security government sites . and covers easily most of my questions except 2.
1) Will my 19 yr old get the 1,200 or the 500.00?
2) i have a younger son as well does his 500 go to the direct express card as well? They would like to get computers for schooling as they are going back and forth daily on 1 tablet and the 19 year old graduates this year… I would also like to thank any workers taking time to answer what they can when they can
Christine
I just wanted know how to get a replacement Medicare card I lost mine thank you
Vonda V.
Hi Christine, thank you for using our blog to ask your question. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on how to obtain a replacement Medicare card. We hope this is helpful.
Christopher F.
When will ssi and ssb get there stimulus checks
Vonda V.
Hi Christopher, thank you for your question. Social Security retirement, survivors, or disability beneficiaries and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients who do not have qualifying children under age 17 do not need to take any action with the IRS. You will automatically receive your $1,200 economic impact payment directly from the IRS. You should receive the automatic payments by direct deposit, Direct Express debit card, or by paper check, just as you would normally receive your Social Security benefits. Treasury expects automatic payments for Social Security beneficiaries no later than the end of April and automatic payments for SSI recipients no later than early May. We hope this helps.
Norma S.
Ms. Sanchez: Yes to all the ones that are on Medicare, Medicaid, any Life or health insurance that you pay for be very very careful. I get so many calls daily on your phone you can put its a Scam when you see calls that are selling something too, all these scammers that offer sale prices, even companies that say they are selling masks for the Coronvirus toilet tissue anything that is needed for the virus is Fake once they get your identity then they know how to get your Bank information. are professionals this people know what websites to go get all your information . My bank stopped a payment because a company was saleing Masks at 3 factories in Houston but were accepted the money at Chase bank in the Philippines. Chase notify me right away that it was fraud did not pay the transaction . I am 67 and I care for all the elderly that might not have someone living with them. Never give your address here either, not sure who is reading this information too
Charleeta S.
Thank you for all the information. Do you know if all citizens on Social Security will get a stimulus check?
Galen
Hello my monthly social security retirement is direct deposited into my bank. Will the stimulus amount be direct deposited also or be mailed to me as a paper check?