Be vigilant about Medicare telephone, internet scams; Covering; The Bases

I received a call stating that Medicare is issuing new cards and I must verify information to receive my new card. I recall reading that new Medicare cards are being issued. However, I had a bad feeling about the caller who was relentless and threatened me that I would have a lapse in benefits if I did not provide my verifications including my Social Security number and bank account information. I hung up and am writing to you for guidance on what I need to do.

You were being targeted for a scam. You were wise to follow your instincts and not provide personal information.

The scam you describe is taking advantage of a new law to protect your personal information. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services are implementing changes to protect people from identity fraud. Last month, CMS began mailing new Medicare cards to beneficiaries. These new cards no longer use a Social Security number as the Medicare number. Rather, they use a unique Medicare beneficiary identifier number.

Medicare will not be calling clients to verify or update any information. It is advised that you protect your personal information and do not disclose your Social Security number or financial information to callers purporting to be from Medicare or Social Security.

Your new Medicare card will automatically arrive in the mail. You do not need to do anything as long as your address is up to date with Social Security. If you need to update your address with Social Security, you may do so by visiting www.ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

The mailings will be staggered; your card may arrive at a different time than your friend's or neighbor's. Once you receive your new Medicare card, you may destroy your old Medicare card. You may begin using your new Medicare card right away.

Your doctors and other health professional are aware that new Medicare cards are being issued and are ready to use your new Medicare card once it arrives.

My sister has such a low income ($1,212 a month) and only $500 in savings. She can barely afford her housing costs, let alone pay a Medicare monthly premium of $134 per month. Her prescriptions are more than $200 a month. Is there any help?

There are programs to help your sister. The first program is called the Specified Low Income Beneficiary Program. Under this program, her Medicare Part B monthly premiums would be paid by the state of Maryland.

If a person's income is below $1,386 a month (below $1,872 a month for a married couple) and their assets are below $9,060 (below $14,340 for a married couple), Maryland will pay their monthly Medicare Part B premiums. Assets do not include her home, her personal possessions, her car or her life insurance. Please call your local SHIP program at 410-222-4257 for more information on this program.

To help reduce the costs of her medications, she would want to apply for the Medicare Part D Extra Help Program. The income levels for the Part D Extra Help Program are below $1,538 a month for a single person and below $2,078 a month for a married couple. Assets level must be below $14,100 for single person and below $28,150 for a married couple.

She may apply for this program online at www.ssa.gov. If she does not use a computer, she may call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to apply by phone or to request a paper application. You may also contact your local SHIP office at 410-222-4257 for assistance.

Amy Rubino is the director of the Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program and the Senior Medicare Patrol for the Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities. You may contact either program at 410-222-4257 or [email protected].

Credit: Amy Rubino - Amy Rubino is the director of the Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program and the Senior Medicare Patrol for the Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities. You may contact either program at 410-222-4257 or [email protected].