Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

multigraincracker

(34,057 posts)
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 08:55 AM Oct 16

Got my first call about switching my Medicare.

Put on hold to talk to an agent. Told Bob I’ll call you right back at the number on my caller ID. Did and got nothing.
Be careful as it sounds like a scam to steal your info. Caller ID was a spoof. Go to your local Council On Aging for accurate info.

8 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Got my first call about switching my Medicare. (Original Post) multigraincracker Oct 16 OP
We already have our appointment with the murielm99 Oct 16 #1
What and where is the Department of Aging? Never heard of it. Srkdqltr Oct 16 #4
In Illinois, murielm99 Oct 16 #5
Good rule is not to give anyone who calls, texts, or mails you (email or snail mail) CousinIT Oct 16 #2
I have sent 2 messages to Whitehouse.org vapor2 Oct 16 #3
That is excellenr advice if slightlv Oct 16 #7
I have one broker i trust. slightlv Oct 16 #6
they are getting more devious now Skittles Saturday #8

murielm99

(31,427 posts)
1. We already have our appointment with the
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 09:11 AM
Oct 16

Department on Aging. We go every year. When we first started doing this, it was one of the best-kept secrets in the area. We could just walk in and sit down with our information. People started to catch on, and now everyone needs an appointment. We have some paperwork to fill out ahead of time, too.

I am glad more people are using the service. The calls are so annoying. When it comes to scams, many seniors are easy pickings.

murielm99

(31,427 posts)
5. In Illinois,
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 10:41 AM
Oct 16

it is the Illinois Department of Aging. I go to the senior center where they have helpers. If you are not in Illinois, ask at your local senior center. They are great here. I go to the one in Lee County in northern Illinois. I am sure you can google this. Good luck!

CousinIT

(10,156 posts)
2. Good rule is not to give anyone who calls, texts, or mails you (email or snail mail)
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 09:16 AM
Oct 16

any personal info AT ALL. Most are for-profit insurance companies trying to get you on Medicare Advantage, scammers, or insurance swindlers.

Talk to your local SHiP (https://www.shiphelp.org/), Council on Aging, or other non-profit, public-help organizations.



vapor2

(1,525 posts)
3. I have sent 2 messages to Whitehouse.org
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 09:36 AM
Oct 16

telling them that Medicare Advantage programs are costing the govt $$$$$$..........Agents that sign you up get approximately $700 per person plus they can and will deny claims. STICK WITH REGULAR MEDICARE

slightlv

(4,318 posts)
7. That is excellenr advice if
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 11:08 AM
Oct 16

You weren't tricked into MA like I was. I had no intention on being on anything but Medicare. Little did I know the person who contacted me was a MA broker instead. That was on a Friday.

On Monday I called Medicare myself and told them what happened. Not a hell of a lot of help. Sure, they could switch me over but advised to look at the costs of the supplemental first. Completely outasite if you were previously on MA.

So I'm stuck. I'm not rich enough to afford Cobra type monthly payments for ins that picks up 20 percent of the overall costs. And yes, I feel cheated. I have always been one of the strongest pushers for Medicare for All.

slightlv

(4,318 posts)
6. I have one broker i trust.
Wed Oct 16, 2024, 11:01 AM
Oct 16

I called her for an appt first. Have some info to gather, but I'll never again take these brokers at face value. There are just too many scams and evil people.

Skittles

(159,061 posts)
8. they are getting more devious now
Sat Nov 16, 2024, 07:10 PM
Saturday

I saw a TV ad for "Humana Extra Benefits" that sounded suspiciously like Medicare "Advantage" - I checked the website listed and that is EXACTLY what it is.....not enough people are falling for the "Advantage" scam so they are starting to drop that word......

Latest Discussions»Issue Forums»Social Security & Medicare»Got my first call about s...