The new Medicare card is free, and existing beneficiaries do not need to do anything to get it, as long as their addresses are up to date. Medicare will not be calling your clients about it. The new cards will be mailed automatically.
Scammers are capitalizing on the opportunity by threatening to cut off Medicare benefits unless the beneficiary pays over the phone, or even by offering to help, setting up fake in-home appointments where they then get private information.
Make sure your Medicare-enrolled clients know that they don’t need to do anything to get their new cards and that they should be wary of any phone calls from someone claiming to be with the federal agency. Explain that you have a trusted Medicare resource for them — Medicare BackOffice — that is a private company that will never pretend to be affiliated with Medicare or any federal agency.
You can tell them this: Medicare BackOffice represents multiple carriers that are “A” rated or better and can work on your behalf to find you an affordable Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement health insurance plan and/or a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plan — but only with your permission.
Medicare.gov advises Medicare beneficiaries to only give out new Medicare number to doctors, pharmacists, other health care providers, your insurers, or people you trust to work with Medicare on your behalf.
Giving your clients a trusted Medicare resource can provide reassurance at a time when these scams are in the news.
