First you need to be aware that if someone from Medicare is calling you they have all of your information in front of them, including your Medicare number and other personal information. The second thing you need to know is that Medicare does not make personal phone calls.
You are the first line of defense when it comes to keeping your Medicare information private. Here are a few ways to take an active role in protecting yourself.
- Your Medicare, Medicade, Social Security and Credit Card numbers should NEVER be given to a stranger or anyone that you did not contact.
- Medicare doesn’t call or visit to sell you anything EVER
- Only take your Medicare/Medicade card with you to the doctor or the pharmacy. Otherwise leave it at home. This will decrease the risk of theft.
- Keep a health care journal and keep a record of all doctors visits, tests and procedures.
- Shred all Medicare documents that are no longer useful.
Some of the sharpest seniors fall for Medicare scams. Do not be one of them!
