The "new", "laminated" or "plastic" Medicare card scam has been frequently reported to the Illinois SMP Hotline over the past year. Now it is being reported by states all across the United States. This isn't a new scam for most readers, but it is playing a significant role in Medicare scams across the country.

How the Scam Works

The scammer will call and say they are from “Medicare Services” or something as equally generic. The voice promises to improve your Medicare benefits, possibly save you money, or even get you more money in your Social Security check. “Hold on to be transferred to one of our agents,” the caller says. Your phone displays a local number, “spoofed” to make you think it’s someone you know.

They will soon offer you a "new" Medicare card that will be "plastic, gold or have a chip in it." They will then ask you to confirm all of your personal information. You should just hang up and report the potential scam to your local SMP. Never give out any personal information, including your Medicare card number over the phone. Medicare will never call you!

The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has also taken the following actions to update their communication channels related to Medicare cards:

• Starting in April, a revised message will be added to the Medicare Summary Notices:

Guard your Medicare card and number like a credit card! Don’t share your number, laminate it, make copies, or let anyone else make a copy. If you need an official replacement card, you can print or order one at Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

• Minor updates will be made on CMS website to incorporate similar language into the Medicare Card page on Medicare.gov, and
• 1-800-MEDICARE call center representative scripts will be updated to make sure similar info is available as needed.

CMS also asks that we continue to remind beneficiaries to protect their Medicare card and Medicare Number by only sharing their Medicare information with health care providers, insurance companies or health plans.

The Illinois SMP is also here to offer assistance if you feel you have been affected by any potential Medicare fraud, please call the Illinois SMP at AgeOptions at (800)699-9043 or visit www.illinoissmp.org.

March, April and May 2023 Workshops

March 22, 2023 at 2:00 pm – SMP presentation with BINGO

Senior Suites of Bellwood (3201 Randolph St. Bellwood, IL 60104)

March 23, 2023 at 2:00 pm – SMP presentation with BINGO

Cedar Village of Arlington Heights (320 W Campbell St. Arlington Heights, IL 60005)

March 28, 2023 at 2:00 pm – SMP presentation with BINGO

Flesh Becoming Word Church (18423 Stony Island Ave. Lansing, IL 60438)

March 31, 2023 at 2:00 pm – SMP presentation with BINGO

Summit Park District (5700 S Archer Rd. Summit, IL 60501)

April 1, 2023 at 10:00 am – Spanish Health Fair

Casa DuPage (505 N County Farm Rd. Third Floor, Wheaton, IL 60187)

April 5, 2023 at 10:00 am – SMP and Benefit Access Presentation

Dolton Public Library (14037 Lincoln Ave. Dolton, IL 60419)

April 12, 2023 at 1:00 pm – SMP presentation with BINGO

Valley Kingdom Christian Academy (5217 149th St. Oak Forest, IL 60452)

April 13, 2023 at 10:45 am – SMP presentation with BINGO

West Suburban Sr Service (439 Bohland Ave. Bellwood, IL 60104)

April 19, 2023 at 11:00 am – SMP presentation with BINGO

Forest Park Public Library (7555 Jackson Blvd. Forest Park, IL 60130)

April 25, 2023 at 1:00 pm – Spanish SMP with Benefit Access Presentation

Blue Island Public Library (2433 York St. Blue Island, IL 60406)

April 28, 2023 at 10:00 am – SMP presentation with BINGO

The Barn (231 Civic Drive Schaumburg, IL 60193)

May 1, 2023 at 5:30 pm – Bilingual SMP Presentation

Gail Borden Public Library (270 N Grove Ave. Elgin, IL 60120)

May 4, 2023 at 1 pm - SMP Bingo

Schiller Park Public Library (4200 Old River Rd. Schiller Park, IL 60176)

May 5, 2023 at 10:00 am – Aging Well Resource Fair and Conference

Levy Senior Citizens Center (300 Dodge Ave. Evanston, IL 60202)

May 10, 2023 at 12:00 pm – SMP Bingo

Salerno's Pizzeria & Sports Bar - Hodgkins (9301 W 63rd St. Hodgkins, IL 60525)

May 11, 2023 at 10:00 am – Senior Fair

North Riverside Parks & Recreation (2401 Desplaines Ave. North Riverside, IL 60546)

May 12, 2023 at 10:00 am – Spanish SMP Bingo

411 S Lewis Ave (411 S Lewis Ave. Waukegan, Illinois 60085)

May 16, 2023 at 10:00 am – Bilingual SMP Bingo

Bensenville Community Public Library (200 S Church Rd. Bensenville, IL 60106)

May 17, 2023 at 10:00 am - SMP Bingo Aging Well Month Event

Oak Park Senior Services (130 S. Oak Park Ave. Oak Park, IL  60302)

May 17, 2023 at 12:00 pm – Spanish SMP Bingo

Gail Borden Public Library (270 N Grove Ave, Elgin, IL 60120)

May 18, 2023 at 3:00 pm – Spanish SMP Bingo #2

Gail Borden Public Library (270 N Grove Ave. Elgin, IL 60120)

May 23, 2023 at 3:00 pm – SMP Bingo

Calumet City Public Library (660 Manistee Ave. Calumet City, IL 60409)

May 26, 2023 at 3:00 pm – SMP Bingo

The Barn (231 Civic Drive Schaumburg, IL 60193)

May 30, 2023 at 10:00 am – SMP Bingo

Levy Senior Citizens Center (300 Dodge Ave. Evanston, IL 60202)

May 31, 2023 at 11:00 am – Spanish SMP Bingo

Our Lady of Mt Carmel Catholic Church (1101 N 23rd Ave. Melrose Park, IL 60160)

Have a wonderful week!

Travis Trumitch

travis.trumitch@ageoptions.org