Indiana Department of Insurance warns seniors to be careful of scams during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period.
This year the period takes place from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, it is the one time of year when all people on Medicare can make changes to their Medicare Advantage health and prescription drug plans.
The department of insurance offers the following tips:
- There’s no such thing as a “limited-time offer” or “special discount if you sign up right away.”
- Seniors can take time to think before they enroll and can ask for information such full name and contact information of the agent, company license information, or a copy of the plan.
- Medicare and Social Security will never contact you by phone to offer a health plan.
- You don’t need to provide your Social Security number, bank account, Medicare number, or credit card before you can see plan details or receive a quote for legitimate plans.
- Read Medicare.gov’s breakdown to learn more about what each part of Medicare covers and the difference between Medicare, Medicare Supplement insurance (Medigap), Medicare Advantage and Medicaid.
- Keep in mind that not all the benefits you hear about on TV or see on the Internet may be offered by every plan or even be available in your area.
- Familiarize yourself with the rules those representing a Medicare health plan must follow.
- Read the fine print of Medicare Advantage plans.
- Follow basic cybersecurity practices online.
- Beware of clicking on Internet ads.
- Know that some websites will change their colors or layout to look like a government site but aren’t actually affiliated with the government.
- Use caution with unsolicited messages, texts or emails.
