How Medicare Smart Are You?

True or False: For the census in 2020, census takers will be permitted to ask seniors for their Medicare number.

The answer is “False.”

Census takers may ask your senior clients about their home life or relatives but will never ask them for their Medicare number or any health insurance information. The Census Bureau also never asks for:

Show your senior clients you care about them by reminding them to not give out their Medicare number to anyone claiming they need it for the Census. See the U.S. Census Bureau’s tips on avoiding fraudulent activity and scams.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation also urges seniors to be aware of fraud schemes related to the COVID-19 pandemic. These scammers will likely ask targets for their health information, including their Medicare or Medicaid number, and other personal information. Urge your clients to beware of individuals who contact them in person, by phone or by email to tell them that the government or government officials require them to take a COVID-19 test. Get more information on protecting yourself and clients from pandemic scammers.

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