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Medicare Fraud Alert: $90 Medicare Premium Rebate Scams
Pro Seniors, Ohio's Senior Medicare Patrol, has received reports of fraudsters misrepresenting themselves as employees from government agencies regarding the $90 Medicare premium rebate with the intent to obtain personal information.
What to Look For:
- Calls claiming to be from Medicare, the Ohio Department of Insurance, or Social Security.
- Callers who say you qualify for the $90 Medicare premium rebate - if you verify your information.
- Offers of gifts or gift cards for switching Medicare plans.
What to Do:
- Do not share any personal info, such as your date of birth, bank account, Medicare or Social Security number.
- Review your Medicare Summary Notices for unauthorized charges.
- Contact Pro Seniors, Ohio's Senior Medicare Patrol, at 800-293-4767. They can you identify and report suspected fraud.
Get more information here.
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OSHIIP Offers Educational Information, Guidance During Medicare Open Enrollment
With Medicare open enrollment underway through Dec. 7, the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) is reminding Ohioans that now is the time to review their Medicare coverage and compare options for 2027.
OSHIIP is hosting Medicare Checkup events across the state to help beneficiaries understand coverage choices and make informed decisions before the enrollment deadline.
Among the key tips from OSHIIP:
- Review current coverage carefully.
- Plan premiums, benefits, prescription drug coverage, and provider networks can change from year to year.
- Read the Annual Notice of Change.
- This document highlights any changes to a current Medicare plan for the coming year.
- Compare all available options.
- Even beneficiaries satisfied with their current coverage may find plans that better fit their healthcare needs or budget.
- Be alert for scams and misleading marketing.
- Open enrollment often brings an increase in Medicare-related advertising and sales pitches. Watch for fake Medicare messages asking for personal or financial information. Medicare never calls to sell products or enroll someone unless contacted first.
- Seek trusted, unbiased guidance.
- OSHIIP representatives can help Ohioans understand Medicare, compare plans, and evaluate coverage options.
Medicare Checkup events are available both in person and virtually. Ohioans can find the full schedule, including webinars, with one on Nov. 13, and one-on-one counseling appointments, on the Ohio Department of Insurance website,insurance.ohio.gov. Plan questions can be addressed by Medicare, visit Medicare.gov and call 1-800-MEDICARE.
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Medicare Advantage Plan Ending? Here's What Beneficiaries Need to Know
Some Ohioans are learning that their current Medicare Advantage plan will no longer be available beginning Jan. 1. While receiving a plan termination notice can be concerning, beneficiaries have protections and additional time to choose new coverage.
People whose Medicare Advantage plan is ending automatically qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. This gives them extra time beyond the current open enrollment period which concludes on Dec. 7, from Dec. 8 through the end of February to enroll in a new Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare prescription drug plan. Coverage under the new plan begins on the first day of the month after enrollment.
Beneficiaries who decide to return to Original Medicare also receive important protections. They have a guaranteed right to buy certain Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans, even if they have health conditions. This protection lasts for up to 63 days after their Medicare Advantage coverage ends.
Medicare Advantage plans that are ending are required to notify members by mail about the plan's non-renewal and explain their rights and coverage options. These notices are typically mailed by Oct. 1, giving beneficiaries time to review their choices before the end of the year.
Anyone affected by a plan termination should carefully review their options rather than allow coverage decisions to wait until the last minute. Comparing costs, benefits, prescription drug coverage, and provider networks can help ensure a smooth transition and avoid unexpected gaps in coverage.
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Through the 988 Lifeline, you have access to free, quality, one-on-one assistance. The skilled, judgment-free counselors are there to provide compassionate support. You deserve to feel heard and cared about anytime, anywhere, 24/7/365.
Text 988 or CHAT WITH THE 988 LIFELINE
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