Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 35, Number 7, 1 July 2018 — Seniors urged to watch for fraud related to new Medicare cards [ARTICLE]

Seniors urged to watch for fraud related to new Medicare cards

New Medicaid cards will be arriving in mailboxes soon and the state Attorney General, the U.S. Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) and the State Executive Office on Aging ask the public be on alert for fraud. The Hawai'i Attorney General's Office released the following guidanee: • The new Medicare cards began rolling out to Hawaii Residents via US mail, since the last week in May, and residents will continue receiving them through July. • Muhiple cards to one household may arrive at different times. • Your new card will not include your social Security number, gender, birthdate or signature. • Medicare will not eall you about your new card. • The new cards are free. There is no cost to you. • To ensure delivery, update your current address with the Social Security Administration at: (ssa. gov/myaccount, or eall them toll freeat 1-800-772-1213) • The only thing changing is the way your card looks. Your Medicare benefits will remain the same. • Onee you receive your new card, you should destroy your old card. "Be cautious with any eommunication regarding the new Medicare cards, so you don't fall victim to scams that will cost you money and aggravation. Never share or eonfirm your Social Security number or Medicare number with anyone who contacts you by phone, email, or in person, unless you have given the person permission to contact you in advance. You should report any suspected scam or fraud immediately," said state Attomey General Russell Suzuki. Contact Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Hawai'i if you or someone you know comes across any suspected fraud or related scams at 586-7281 or toll free at (800) 296-9422. This is a free and confidential service. ■