Seniors: Prioritize Security
People with Medicare coverage are favorite targets of scammers; therefore, they must be vigilant to avoid paying unexpected and unnecessary bills.
The Delaware Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) reminds beneficiaries to review each and every Medicare Summary Notice they receive in the mail (or electronically) to ensure they are not being billed for services or items they do not need or their doctor did not order.
SMPs across the country have seen a significant uptick in brace scams. One beneficiary received six braces that he neither ordered nor needed from a medical equipment provider in Clearwater, Florida. His Medicare statement showed the same date of service and the same supplier.
It’s YOUR time and YOUR money on the line. You can significantly reduce the chances that you will be scammed by using and protecting your new Medicare card, which has been developed using enhanced security protections. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services offers these tips:
- Destroy your old Medicare card so no one can get your personal information; and
- Protect your Medicare number just as you would a credit card.
For more information, call the Delaware SMP at 1-800-223-9074 or visit
dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dss/smp.html.▼