As the number of people and communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic grows, so do the scams associated with it. Scammers use public health emergencies as opportunities for new fraud schemes, and because older adults are at greater risk for serious illness from COVID-19, they may target older populations.
There is currently no FDA-approved vaccine for COVID-19, and although there may be treatments for symptoms, there is no “cure.” However, scammers often use fear-based tactics to convince people that a vaccine or a cure is now being offered.
It’s also important to remember that although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other public health officials may contact you if they believe you may have been exposed to the virus, they will not need to ask you for insurance or financial information.
The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) recommends that Medicare beneficiaries 1) contact their own doctor if they are experiencing potential symptoms of COVID-19. 2) Do not give out their Medicare number, Social Security number, or personal information in response to unsolicited calls, texts, emails, home visits or booths at health fairs and other public venues. If personal information is compromised, it may be used in other fraud schemes as well. 3) Be suspicious of anyone going door-to-door to offer free coronavirus or COVID-19 testing, supplies, or treatments. 4) Carefully review their Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or Explanation of Benefits (EOB), looking for errors or claims for products or services that weren’t received. 5) Follow the instructions of their state or local government for other actions they should be taking in response to COVID-19. 6) Contact their local Senior Medicare Patrol for help. SMPs empower and assist Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to prevent, detect, and report health care fraud, errors, and abuse.
The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) is ready to provide the elderly with the information they need to protect themselves from Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse; detect potential fraud, errors, and abuse; and report their concerns. SMPs help educate and empower Medicare beneficiaries in the fight against health care fraud. SMPs can help you with questions, concerns, or complaints about potential fraud and abuse issues. They also provide information and educational presentations. To locate a local Senior Medicare Patrol, call 1-877-808-2468 or visit www.smpresource.org.