November 16, 2009
MediCare Fraud Alert!
Open enrollment for Medicare plans begins on November 15. Many insurance agents will engage in vigorous marketing and sales efforts over the next few weeks.
A few things you should remember:
* Make sure they're licensed. Go to http://www.insurance.ca.gov to check.
* Cold sales calls are illegal. If someone solicits you out of the blue, hang up.
* Never give out personal information over the phone. Ask for everything in writing.
* Medicare has no sales reps. You should contact them - not the other way around.
* Marketing in educational or care settings (doctor's offices, pharmacy counter) is a no-no.
* Payoffs (dinner, baskets of goodies to reward your purchase) are forbidden by law.
DON'T FALL VICTIM TO DECEPTIVE SALES PRACTICES!
Go to http://www.insurance.ca.gov for valuable information specifically for the older adult, or call 1-800-927-4357 .
You can also contact the California Department of Aging Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) at 1-800-434-0222 to get more information or check out anything - or anyone - that seems suspicious.
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CONTACT:
Leane Marchese
Executive Director
ElderHelp of San Diego
phone: 619-284-9281 x 11
fax: 619-284-0214
lmarchese @ elderhelpofsandiego.org
www.elderhelpofsandiego.org