Montana Insurance Commisioner of Securities and Insurance Office Warns to Medicare Scams

Montana Insurance Commissioner Monica Lindeen issued a warning Thursday about a scam that can pop up during Medicare open enrollment. Jennifer McKee with the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance Office said open enrollment began October 15—a time when beneficiaries may make changes to their 2015 Medicare plan and their Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.

"Unfortunately, this is also a time when scammers begin targeting seniors and beneficiaries," McKee said. "One of the ones that we see most often, and it's really dangerous, is people contacting a senior through any number of ways. They'll sometimes just come to their door, they'll send them emails, they'll call them, and they'll claim to be from Medicare."

McKee said one of the most dangerous ploys is a scammer calling, emailing – or even visiting – a senior’s home claiming to be from Medicare and reporting that new Medicare cards are being issued.

"That is a huge red flag," McKee said. "Medicare is not issuing new cards. Medicare doesn't need to call you and get your Medicare number, because of course, they already have it. Anytime someone calls and asks for that kind of sensitive information, we encourage people to just hang up."

Lindeen also warned of other scams that should raise red flags:

• A caller ID that displays a trusted name or number. Caller ID can be manipulated to show any name or number a scammer chooses. If you get an unsolicited phone call from someone claiming to be from Medicare and they start asking for personal information, just hang up.
• Phone calls promising “free” medical supplies. Or store-fronts that promise free check-ups. These scenarios often promise free services or supplies in exchange for your personal information.
• Door-to-door sales people. Medicare has no sales representatives. No insurance company representative will come to your door without an appointment.

McKee said another way for seniors to sign up for Medicare is to call the State Health Insurance Assistance Program at 1-800-551-3191.

Jennifer McKee: