Senior Fraud: Medicare
MediPlans NJ • September 3, 2024
Senior fraud encompasses a range of deceptive schemes designed to exploit older individuals who are more susceptible to malicious tactics and less technologically savvy.
These scams can take many forms, including phishing emails, fraudulent phone calls, investment scams, and identity theft. Often, they use fronts such as “Medicare” to gain access to personal information.
With Annual Enrollment Period approaching, please be aware that perpetrators can be “legitimate” call centers and Agents that are trying to get folks to switch plans without consideration of the senior’s best interest. They do this because there are financial gains for doing so (i.e. commission, gaining market share.) Unfortunately, this can have serious implications on the ongoing quality of the senior’s health coverage.
Here are some RED FLAGS to look for to avoid these predicaments:
- Unsolicited calls offering “Free” services or benefits
- Callers asking for Medicare or Social Security Number for “record-keeping purposes.”
- Pressure to make QUICK decisions about your Healthcare choices
- Billing for services you didn’t receive
- Unsolicited calls telling you to switch Medical Plans because “It is a much BETTER plan” or any other related superlatives.
Please stay vigilant and PROTECT YOUR INFORMATION!
If you have any doubts, call 1-800-MEDICARE and report your concerns.
The post Senior Fraud: Medicare appeared first on MediPlans NJ.
Medicare is a vital resource for millions of Americans, offering health coverage to those 65 and older, and to some younger individuals with specific disabilities. One of the most common—and important—questions people have is: When can I sign up for Medicare? If you're approaching 65 or helping a loved one through the process, understanding the Medicare enrollment timeline can save you from delays, penalties, and coverage gaps. 📅 Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) Your first opportunity to enroll in Medicare Parts A* & B is during your Initial Enrollment Period, which spans seven months: • Starts: 3 months before your 65th birthday month • Includes: The month of your 65th birthday • Ends: 3 months after your 65th birthday month If you enroll during the three months before your birthday, your coverage typically starts the first day of your birthday month. If you enroll after your birthday month, coverage may be delayed. *Do I still have to enroll in Part A when I turn 65? You DO NOT have to enroll in Part A when you turn 65 provided you're covered by a creditable employer health insurance plan (from an employer with 20+ employees) . In this case, you won’t face a penalty for delaying enrollment in Part A. 🔁 General Enrollment Period (GEP) If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period for Part B and DO NOT have "Creditable Employer Coverage", you will have to enroll during the General Enrollment Period, which runs from January 1 to March 31 each year. Coverage starts the 1st of the month following your application date , but you may face late enrollment penalties for Parts B & D. ✅ Special Enrollment Period (SEP) If you're still working at 65 and have health insurance through your employer (or your spouse’s), you will qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Provided your plan is "Creditable" (which most Employer Plans are), you will be entitled to sign up for Medicare late without a penalty: • You can enroll any time you're still covered by the employer plan • Or during the 8-month period after that coverage ends 💊 What About Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D)? Unless you have Employer Insurance Coverage*, You should sign up for Part D (or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage) when you're first eligible—even if you don't take medications now. Late enrollment can mean higher premiums later. Similar to Part B rules, if your plan is "Creditable" (which most Employer Plans are), you will be entitled to sign up for Part D late without a penalty. 🧠 Final Thoughts Navigating Medicare enrollment can feel overwhelming, but knowing when to act is half the battle. Whether you're preparing to retire or coordinating care for a family member, marking your Medicare enrollment windows on the calendar is a smart move. If you'd like help choosing the right plan or understanding what Medicare covers, I'm here to assist. Just ask!
Key Takeaways:
The Federal Government and the State of New Jersey both have programs that help low-income seniors with the costs of Medicare. See below for the descriptions and Income limits. PAAD (Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled)Income Limits: Single- $52,142 Married- $59,209Generic Drugs: $0-$5 Brand Drugs: $7Extras- PAAD pays deductibles, penalties, plan premiums SENIOR GOLDIncome…
The post Medicare Savings Programs appeared first on MediPlans NJ.
Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, or Medicare Part C, can be a source of frustration for some beneficiaries due to several perceived drawbacks and complexities. Here are some common reasons why people might dislike Medicare Advantage plans: 1. Limited Provider Networks Many Medicare Advantage plans use network-based structures, meaning beneficiaries must use specific hospitals and doctors…
The post Why do People “Hate” Medicare Advantage Plans appeared first on MediPlans NJ.
