An excessive amount of phone calls is plaguing seniors, some generated by Artificial intelligence (A.I.), while others are from foreign telemarketers unfamiliar with the Medicare laws or any other law they may be breaking in the USA. The abundance of Medicare phone scams, fraud, and social media schemes has made it difficult for anyone, let alone seniors, to decipher who is genuine, leaving them not to trust anyone who contacts them, and rightfully so. This situation has become an epidemic, causing concern and public distrust for telemarketers. Worse, amid the myriad of calls seniors receive, there may have been an important call. 

Unfortunately, scamming the Medicare system not only comes from illicit phone calls. Doctors, hospitals, and medical practices have been caught overbilling Medicare for higher profits. This practice has become widespread due to the immense earning potential associated with overbilling Medicare. It's worrisome to consider that some doctors and practitioners we have come to trust with our health are intentionally taking advantage of the system. But not only that, if they are willing to overbill, what else are they willing to do to increase their earnings? How about prescribing a drug that is not needed, a surgery that is not needed, or equipment that is not needed for a fee? The list could go on and on. Understandably, elderly individuals may feel overwhelmed when constantly being contacted to change their Medicare plans, especially when the calls happen up to 10 times daily. It can be even more challenging to keep up with their plans once changes are made because they may not know or remember which agency made the change, and we want to offer our support in any way we can.

It is critical to be aware of the different Medicare schemes that exist. Here are a few of the more common ones to be aware of:

• Beware of scammers who falsely claim that new Medicare cards are issued and that your old one is no longer valid.
• Be cautious of giving people your Medicare Advantage plan provider over the phone. They may contact you again and falsely claim to be from your Medicare Advantage company after you have forgotten that you provided them with the information.
• Be mindful of your doctor's ordered prescriptions, testing, and equipment. Ask many questions.
• Scammers may call, threatening to cancel your Medicare coverage unless you update your information.
• Scammers may offer early access to particular vaccines (such as COVID-19 vaccines)
• Beware of scammers who promise free medical supplies asking for your personal information to deliver the supplies, and you did not initiate the call.

Medicare Ads Misleading Seniors

Be cautious of deceptive advertisements promising a Medicare Program that gives $3,500 for food and utilities. Unfortunately, this offer doesn't apply to everyone. No program provides free grocery vouchers worth $3,500 to all senior citizens in the U.S. This is just a ploy to get as many people to call in as possible. The only similar program is the "Special Needs Plan" (SNP), but it's only for specific chronically ill individuals or those who receive both Medicaid and Medicare. However, some insurance companies that offer Medicare Advantage Dual Plans have introduced a new benefit that combines both benefits. Eligible beneficiaries in select states will receive a flex card worth up to $3,300, able to purchase approved healthy foods, prescription medications, diagnostic devices, and medical equipment; some cards may be able to be used to pay utilities or mortgages. 

How do you determine if you qualify for these plans?  

There are Medicare Advantage Plans that offer incredible incentives for people with low incomes who have Medicare and Medicaid. However, some elderly are uneducated, in desperate need, or not cognisant of their actions, making them vulnerable to phone scams. It's important to note that not all parties involved have bad intentions; some individuals genuinely need these services to survive, while others may be looking to make a profit. These calls can be beneficial and help individuals. This market is so lucrative that it is becoming a haven for good and bad people. It is uncertain when Medicare scams will end or if Congress or the Centers for Medicare Services (CMS) will step in with more crackdowns on the industry. They have taken some courageous steps in preventing fraud. However, companies and individuals are finding steps to work around the roadblocks created by CMS. Until there are solid solutions to stop the outrageous number of phone calls, older adults must be more cautious about whom to speak with. It's important to note that Medicare will never call you unless you have requested it. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from Medicare, it's safest to end the call and assume it may be a scam. You should contact Medicare directly to verify any information.