The latest e-newsletter from the Administration for Community Living highlights potential COVID-19 scams and Medicare. Below is an excerpt of that e-newsletter. Read the full e-newsletter for complete details, additional resources, and recommendations from the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP).

As the number of people and communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic grows, so do the scams associated with it. Scammers use public health emergencies as opportunities for new fraud schemes, and because older adults and people with disabilities are at greater risk for serious illness from COVID-19, they may target these populations.

It’s important to remember that although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other public health officials may contact you if they believe you may have been exposed to the virus, they will not need to ask you for insurance or financial information.

Scammers rapidly alter their tactics and adapt their schemes to the changing landscape, and we anticipate that they will leverage the COVID-19 vaccine to prey on unsuspecting people. Be vigilant and protect yourself from potential fraud concerning COVID-19 vaccines and treatments.

Here are things you need to know about the COVID-19 vaccine:

• You likely will not need to pay anything out-of-pocket to get the vaccine during this public health emergency.
• You cannot pay to put your name on a list to get the vaccine.
• You cannot pay to get early access to the vaccine.
• You will not be solicited door to door to receive the vaccine.
• No one from Medicare or the Health Department with contact you.
• No one from a vaccine distribution site or health care payer, like a private insurance company, will call you asking for your Medicare number, Social Security number, or your credit card or bank account information to sign you up to get the vaccine.

This is an excerpt from the Administration for Community Living’s e-newsletter sent out on 12/23/2020. Read the full e-newsletter for complete details, additional resources, and recommendations from the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP).