Healthcare scams are everywhere.
Scammers know people constantly have questions regarding healthcare. As a result, scammers email and call individuals with healthcare information and try to get their personal information in return. They’re constantly on the prowl so it’s important to continuously be on alert for these healthcare scams.
Here are some popular scams:
Medical discounts
If you’re contacted by someone offering discounts on health services, do not pay them anything until you’ve asked questions and read the terms regarding the discount plan. Some medical discount plans are legit, others don’t deliver the discounts promised, and the rest are scams trying to get your personal information to commit identity fraud.
Health insurance support
If you’re contacted by someone offering to help you get a new health insurance plan/card or replace an old insurance plan/card for a fee by supplying your bank or credit card information, do not give it to them. Legitimate health insurance companies are not allowed to charge you for navigating the insurance market.
Medicare replacement cards
If someone contacts you asking for your Social Security number or banking information to get an updated Medicare card because of recent changes in health/government laws (for example, the Affordable Care Act/Obamacare), do not give it to them. You do not need a new card under Obamacare and should instead contact Medicare directly with any questions or concerns you have.
Healthcare scams affect not just the individual, but healthcare providers and the healthcare system as a whole. Since these scams lead to financial losses and higher rates of healthcare fraud, it inevitably translates into higher premiums and out-of-pocket expenses for individuals and reduced benefits or coverage given by healthcare providers.
The moral of the story is never give your personal, financial or medical information to anyone who contacts you. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Contact helpdesk@alistechnology.com to find out more information on healthcare scams.
