Don’t wait till fraud happens! The fight can begin now to protect yourself against fraudulent Medicare Card activities. Castro County Healthcare District wants to help you prepare and know what to look for.

Medicare has begun sending out new Medicare cards. This means there could be a whole set of new scams. Be aware that Medicare or Social Security will not call, text, or email to tell you they are issuing these new cards, reprocessing cards, or assigning new numbers. If you are a current Medicare participant, know that all notifications of these changes will be sent by postal mail. Remember to never give your bank account information, Social Security, or Medicare Number to anyone who contacts you!

The new Medicare card will have a new number to help protect your identity. If your best friend has received their card but you have not, do not be concerned. Medicare began mailing the new cards in April 2018 and will continue through April 2019. Your card may arrive at different times than your spouse, friend, or neighbor. You will not be able to sign your new Medicare card. This is another form of protection against fraud.

Since all information will be sent through postal mail, confirm your current address with social security. A new card does not mean new benefits; Medicare will not be changing any of their benefits. There is no additional fee for your new card. You may begin using your new Medicare card as soon as you receive it. Starting January 2020, you can no longer use your old Medicare Card.

There are four “R’s” that can help you and your family be the first line of defense against Medicare fraud and abuse. 

  1. RECORD important dates and information from your providers.
  2. REVIEW your Medicare Summary Notices and compare it to your recorded dates and services.
  3. Always REPORT any suspected Medicare fraud by calling 1-800-MEDICARE or the Texas Senior Medicare Patrol Hotline at 1-888-641-6187.
  4. REMEMBER to protect your Medicare number.

If you have any questions about Medicare Card scams, reach out to CCHD’s Chronic Care Coordinator, Rita McDaniel, at 806-647-8729.