During Medicare’s annual open enrollment, AARP Alabama urges residents to beware of scams

Medicare’s annual open-enrollment period is underway—which means that Medicare-related scams are on the rise. Bill Hawkins—of “A-A-R-P Alabama”—explains what to look out for… “Scammers are calling or even going door-to-door; they’re offering free gifts or limited-time offers. Others might call and claim that you’re due a refund of premiums that you’ve supposedly overpaid. Giving out your Medicare-number or bank-information allows these imposters to make fraudulent charges with your Medicare-card—or even to raid your bank-account. That’s why it’s important to remember that the government-agency that runs Medicare will never call or go door-to-door; if it truly needs to contact you, it will only be by mail.” Hawkins also describes how people can protect themselves… “If you need help, only request it from an unbiased source—and not from someone who’s trying to sell you something. For example, you can call the ‘Alabama Department of Senior Services’—at 1-800-‘AGE-LINE’—and ask to speak with a counselor from the ‘State Health-Insurance Assistance Program’. Also, beware of pushy salespeople—even if they’re from legitimate insurance-companies. Since you have until December 7th to make any changes, you should take your time—and make sure that you’re getting the coverage that’s right for you.” To learn more about staying safe from fraud and scams, visit “a-a-r-p”-dot-org-slash-“fraud-watch-network”.