Stay Aware of Fraud and Scams
Unfortunately, there are a number of fraud artists and scams that target the aging population. We are here to help you stay safe from these common tactics.
Missouri Fraud Prevention Fact
May 2024
Sadly, Medicare scams by phone happen every day. Remember that Medicare will never cold call you and ask for your personal information. When in doubt, hang up and call Medicare at (800) 633-4227.
This month’s Fraud Fact from the Missouri SMP (Senior Medicare Patrol) focuses on phone calls to enroll or renew Medicaid benefits.
During the COVID pandemic, Medicaid eligibility and re-enrollment qualifications changed. As of April 2023, the federal Public Health Emergency required states to keep existing Medicaid recipients enrolled even if they exceeded the income level or otherwise became ineligible.
Remember that Medicaid benefit enrollment or renewing is ALWAYS FREE. If you receive a call asking for your credit card number DO NOT give out that information. If someone calls you stating that they are from Medicaid, tell them you will call them back. Hang up and call Medicaid directly using the phone number on the back of your card.
Throughout the Medicaid reevaluation process, the SMP reminds you to:
• Not answer calls from numbers you don’t recognize.
• Guard your card! Don’t give out or confirm Medicaid numbers on the phone.
• If you don’t know the caller, never answer “yes” to any question.
• Verify Medicaid has all your current contact information.
If you feel like someone has contacted you with the intent to steal your information or benefits, call the Missouri SMP at 1-888-515-6565.
Call (888) 515-6565 to report suspected Medicare or Medicaid fraud, errors, or abuse.
