Beware Medicare fraud

With the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services mailing new Medicare cards to clients in Montana until mid-October, Missoula Aging Services is asking people to beware of related scams.

“It is important to know you do not have to do anything to get your new Medicare card,” states a news release. “There is no charge for new cards and Medicare will never ask you to give out personal or private information to get your new Medicare number and card.”

Despite social security numbers being removed from Medicare cards, Missoula Aging Services states that people will still try to steal new Medicare numbers.

“Always read your Medicare Summary Notice to make sure no one is billing for services in your name,” the news release states. “If you receive a suspicious call with someone trying to get personal information, like your current Medicare Number, hang up and call your local Montana SMP (Senior Medicare Patrol) at 800-551-3191.

Upon receipt of a new card, people are advised to destroy the old card and start using the new card right away.

Learn more online at Medicare.gov/NewCard.