5 minute read
Tips to Protect
Important Tips to Protect Yourself from Scammers
Philip Ramirez, Chief Compliance Officer for Prominence Health Plan
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Philip Ramirez As the country continues to grapple with COVID-19, health care officials are reminding people to be on high alert for scammers.
According to a recent study, older Americans lose almost $36.5 billion dollars each year due to fraud and scams.*
Some of the most common scams targeting seniors include strangers claiming to be with Medicare or a health insurance company to obtain personal information, or lure individuals into false investment opportunities through various scare tactics. And, now with the COVID-19 vaccination underway, scammers are reaching out to seniors asking for payment or personal information in exchange for a false promise of being placed at the front of the queue to receive the vaccine.
A big part of protecting yourself from scams and fraud is being vigilant and knowing what kinds of scams are out there and how fraudsters operate.
Identity theft comes in many forms, and is often perpetrated in the healthcare industry by criminals attempting to receive healthcare under another person’s identity or even to seek prescription drugs from the hospital or pharmacy. In regards to your healthcare, it is important to know that no one from the government will call or email you to sell you an insurance plan or ask for personal identifying information. In fact, health plans are required by law to obtain permission prior to contacting someone who might be interested in learning more about our Prominence Medicare plan options.
In order to protect you from these scams, here are some steps you can take to prevent being a victim.
General Fraud Tips: ● Do not give out any personal information over the phone or internet, such as social media platforms, to someone you don’t know, including banking or financial information. Keep your Social Security number confidential. ● Do not respond to unsolicited offers or advertisements. ● Do not sign anything you don’t understand or if you are under pressure. ● Take your time to do your research before making the decision to do business with an individual or business. ● Be wary of anything that sounds too good to be true or “guarantees” something. ● Don’t immediately feel compelled to “act now” on an offer. ● Frequently check your financial statements, bills, credit reports and other important documents for any irregularities. ● Unlist your phone number and add it to the Do Not Call list.
COVID-19 Vaccine Tips: ● Consult your state’s health department website for up-todate information about authorized vaccine distribution channels. Obtain a vaccine only through such channels. ● Review the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at CDC.gov for trustworthy information on the COVID-19 vaccine.
● Medicare covers the COVID-19 vaccine, so there will be no cost to you. If anyone asks you to pay for access to the vaccine, this is a scam. ● You can’t pay to put your name on a list to get the vaccination. ● You can’t pay to get early access to the vaccine.
If you come across a scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission online at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, by calling 1-800-MEDICARE, or contact your local healthcare provider. Prominence Health Plan members may contact us directly at 855-969-5882 (TTY: 711).
Philip Ramirez oversees Prominence Health Plan’s Compliance Office, which serves Washoe, Carson City, Douglas, Storey, Lyon, and Churchill counties in Nevada. To learn more about Prominence Health Plan, call 800-880-7457, Monday-through Friday from 8-8 p.m.
*http://documents.truelinkfinancial.com/True-Link-Report-OnElder-Financial-Abuse-012815.pdf
Tunnel / from page 19 two doses, are the Pfizer, given 21 days apart and the Moderna, which is given 28 days apart. Vaccinations must be done at the same location the original was given.
Seniors 65 and older are still being asked to isolate and extremely limit outside activity to reduce the chance of exposure to the virus. Remember to wear a mask anytime your are out of your residence: practice social distancing, staying six feet from anyone you don’t live with, and wash yours hands frequently.
While isolating, if you are looking for something to do, the City of Reno Parks and Recreation Department staff has something for Seniors to pass the time – Recreation –in-a-box. The kits are put together monthly and contain a game, an activity and usually several fun things. January’s bag contained a toy, a winter beanie, a Nevada smiles mask, a checkers game, word puzzles and a candle you can create kit. You also get a small bottle of hand sanitizer. Every month through June, the Parks are Recreation staff theme each bag. With it being February, Love is in the Air and there is Groundhog Day and President’s Day, so the February bag will be fun. The bags are in limited supply. To request one call (775) 334-2262. Kits can be picked up starting the third Tuesday in February (February 16 as Monday is a holiday) at either Evelyn Mount or Neil Road Recreation Centers.
If you want to get outdoors and get some exercise, the City of Reno has 87 parks scattered throughout the city full of walkways, bike paths and trails to explore safely while social distancing. Remember to wear a mask. There are also many virtual Parks and Recreation programs available online for those with a computer available at Reno.gov/ ParksAndRec.
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