This weekend, the Medicare open enrollment window comes to an end.
Officially, open enrollment ends Sunday — meaning any changes made since last year’s plans were set will take effect New Year’s Day.
Scams have been prevalent throughout the open enrollment period, and they may well rev up this week. Certified Senior Health Insurance Counselor for Kansas Karen Mayse says if you don’t recognize the number, don’t answer the call. It’s also important to safeguard all your information under any and all circumstances.
Mayse says fraud is in the headlines a lot these days — with good reason.
Mayse says the official losses are listed at around $60 billion annually, but there are some estimates of losses as high as $100 billion per year across all US healthcare programs.
Ads are aplenty as well, whether on TV or in mailboxes. Mayse says people may not realize they can change their coverage by responding to the ads.
With time running out to get assistance before open enrollment ends, Mayse encourages seniors to reach out to the Emporia Friendship Center at 620-340-8001 to set appointments, whether in-person, by phone or by Zoom. Residents can also call the North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging hotline at 800-432-2703.
