DECEMBER SPECIAL FEATURE

The holiday season tends to bring more with it than just autumn leaves and pretty lights! For us here in Illinois, the weather gets colder and our social activities slowdown, which brings along some challenges. The combination of shorter days, weather limitations, health concerns, and holiday blues weigh heavily on many of us and our loved ones. These risk factors are important to be aware of as they can increase one’s risk for social isolation and loneliness. (A list of supportive resources for those experiencing social isolation or loneliness are linked below.)

Unfortunately, social isolation and loneliness affect older adults by increasing their risk of becoming victims of fraud and scams. When you are isolated or experiencing feelings of loneliness, scammers may try to take advantage of that vulnerability. Luckily, knowledge is power!  You can help protect yourself and your loved ones by being aware of the different types of scams and how they work. 

Some Medicare related scams that may be more common during the holiday season are:

1. Phone scams or social media scams where an insurance agent offers you some type of incentive or gift for signing up with a specific Medicare plan.
2. COVID-19 testing scams where scammers may try to get your Medicare number for over-the-counter COVID-19 test kits. Medicare and healthcare providers will never call to offer you free COVID-19 tests. Additionally, only buy FDA-approved test kits from legitimate pharmacies or providers when purchasing both in-person and online.
3. Phishing scams that seem to be from a legitimate business, healthcare provider, or a person you may know. We encourage beneficiaries to save official email addresses and phone contacts from their plan provider, pharmacy, healthcare network, and loved ones to help recognize legitimate contacts. But even then, be extremely cautious when clicking links and don’t click any suspicious attachments or links through email, texts or social media.
4. Scammers may also leverage the holiday season by promoting discounted tests or durable medical equipment as part of a “generous” holiday promotion. Be sure to report to us if someone contacts you regarding any tests or durable medical equipment that is not medically necessary.

Other ways you can help prevent these malicious scams are by not sharing your Medicare number with anyone who is not your healthcare provider and by never sharing personal information over the phone.

In order to detect Medicare fraud, always be sure to review all Medicare Summary Notices (MSN) or Explanation of Benefits (EOB) for any possible mistakes or fraudulent charges. A personal journal strictly for healthcare appointments can help document appointment details to then easily compare to MSNs and EOBs later.

The Illinois SMP is also here to offer assistance if you feel you or someone you know have been affected by any suspicious billing on your Medicare Summary Notice or any potential Medicare fraud, please call the Illinois SMP at AgeOptions at (800) 699-9043 or visit www.illinoissmp.org.

Additionally, if you or someone you know are experiencing social isolation or loneliness, the Senior Medicare Patrol is here to provide you with support by sharing the following resources:

• Stay Active Through Technology (PDF by engAGED, the National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults)
• Feeling Lonely or Socially Isolated? (PDF from National Institute on Aging)
• Protecting Your Personal Information Online (PDF by engAGED, the National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults)
• Ways to give and connect with others this holiday season:
  • Give the Gift of Connection (PDF by ACL and Commit to Connect)
  • Tips for Staying Connected – English or Spanish (Article written by the National Institute on Aging)

Additional resources to support those experiencing social isolation can be located by calling East Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging at (800) 888-4456.

ECIAAA serves older adults and family caregivers in Champaign, Clark, Coles, Cumberland, DeWitt, Douglas, Edgar, Ford, Iroquois, Livingston, Macon, McLean, Moultrie, Piatt, Shelby and Vermilion counties.