Q. I’ve heard scammers are using new technology like AI to trick people with Medicare. What should I watch out for during open enrollment?
A. You’re right to be on alert during Medicare Open Enrollment. Scammers are more active during this time and increasingly, they’re using AI. The Massachusetts Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Program reports that scammers are using these tools to make phone calls impersonating Medicare representatives, healthcare providers, and even family members. Their goal is to trick people into revealing their personal health information or Medicare numbers. Scammers can also use AI to make fake websites, emails, and texts look real. Once they have your personal health information, they can use it to submit fake claims, costing taxpayers billions each year.
As we head into Medicare Open Enrollment (October 15-December 7), keep these reminders from SMP in mind:
- Medicare will never call you to ask for your personal information.
- Treat your Medicare card like your credit card and never share your number.
- If you get a call from someone who’s pressuring you to switch your plan or confirm your Medicare number, just hang up.
- If you receive a suspicious call or have given out information by mistake, contact SMP at (800) 892-0890.
These scams can affect anyone with Medicare, so staying alert is key to protecting your benefits and your personal information. Professional scammers are good at making their messages sound real, but paying close attention and reporting anything suspicious can help protect you and others. You can learn more about SMP and how to protect yourself on their website: www.masmp.org.
Are you caring for an older adult or need help finding healthy aging resources? Our experienced staff is available to help. Visit us online at www.agespan.org. You can also call 800-892-0890 or email info@agespan.org.
Joan Hatem-Roy is the chief executive officer of AgeSpan, which serves the following cities and towns: Amesbury, Andover, Billerica, Boxford, Chelmsford, Danvers, Dracut, Dunstable, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell, Marblehead, Merrimac, Methuen, Middleton, Newbury, Newburyport, North Andover, Peabody, Rowley, Salisbury, Salem, Tewksbury, Tyngsboro, Westford, and West Newbury.
First published in the Eagle-Tribune.
