Fraud Alert!
September 29, 2005
Medicare Precriptions and Social Security Callers
At least 18 companies have begun calling Seniors to promote Medicare Prescription Drug Plans. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is also calling some Colorado Medicare recipients. This may lead to some confusion - and an opportunity for fraud.
Medicare prescription drug companies and agents cannot:
- Call you if you are on the Colorado ‘NO CALL’ list. (To sign up: 1-888-249-9097 or www.coloradonocall.com);
- Send unsolicited e-mails
- Come to your home uninvited to sell any Medicare-related product;
- Enroll you into a drug plan over the phone unless you called them or are adding a prescription drug coverage to your existing Medicare Plan;
- Ask for personal information such as Social Security Numbers, dates of birth, etc.
- Ask for payment over the phone or Internet – they must send you a bill.
SSA has contracted with two companies, NCS Pearson, Inc. and West Corporation, to call over 145,000 Coloradans who have not replied to the SSA mailing on ‘extra help’ for lower income Medicare recipients. If you receive such a call, it may be to your advantage to understand the ‘extra benefit’ option. However, these callers cannot:
- Enroll you over the phone; or
- Ask for personal information (although they may verify your address.)
If a caller asks you for your Social Security number or other personal information, or attempts to sell you a Medicare-related product over the phone or e-mail, hang up or delete the e-mail immediately!
Due to the number of Medicare Prescription Drug Plans and companies who offer them, you should thoroughly understand your choices before making a decision. For assistance, contact the Colorado Access to Benefits Coalition at 1-800-503-5190.
Need help? Call the CASE Assistance Line at 720.874.8547