Watchdog: Seniors should be on the look out for Medicare scammers

COLUMBIA — Seniors in South Carolina should watch out for Medicare scammers, Lt. Gov. André Bauer said today.

Bauer said Medicare recipients are being targeted by criminals posing as Medicare representatives over the phone. The scammers want to steal personal financial information, Bauer said.

“There are no ‘fees’ for signing up for Medicare plans and no need to provide bank account information to enroll in a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan during open enrollment,” Bauer said.

The open enrollment period for Medicare’s prescription drug coverage, known as Part D, runs through Dec. 31. During this time, Medicare beneficiaries can select a new plan.

Providers may ask what method of payment a beneficiary wants to use pay premiums, but they cannot ask for payment over the phone or on the Internet. Premium invoices must be mailed.

Attempted victims should call the local police and the Office on Aging at 1-800-868-9095.

Read more in Thursday’s editions of The Post and Courier.