Letter White received in the mail.
/ Photo by: Chad Douglas
Mailing looks official
By Chad Douglas
Friday, October 31, 2008 at 4:45 p.m.
Read more: Local, Crime, Health, Medicare, Scam, Premiums, Possible
TRI-STATES -- On this Halloween, we want to warn you about a trick that may get played on you or a loved one.
A viewer contacted KHQA about a piece of mail he'd gotten a couple of weeks ago.
It stated Medicare premiums were going up, and said if he would send back his phone number, age, spouse, and signature, he could get more information to help combat the price increase.
KHQA's Chad Douglas has spent the last three weeks trying to nail down the facts for him.
Chad believes he has some answers.
Charles White relies on Medicare for his insurance needs. Because of his health, he can't find other insurance. And since he's on a limited income, the thought of his medicare premium going up has him worried.
"I want to know if it's really official and how much it's going up. It's gonna take a big bite," says White.
Just by looking at the card, it looks official. But on the outside of the envelope it states this is not associated with any government agency. That was a red flag for both Charles White and myself. One interesting thing I noticed though, was the mailing didn't ask for a social security number or any bank information, so we couldn't tell if it was a scam.
"I'm afraid if I send that card in, they're gonna ask for my social security number and they can get anything they need to really rake you over good," says White.
I contacted Detective Tom Liesen with the Quincy Police Department. He's also the Elder Service Officer at the Quincy Senior and Family Resource center.
Is this a scam?
"I wouldn't say it's a scam, but I think it's a way for insurance companies that offer Medicare Part D to solicit you," say Detective Liesen.
Detective Liesen tells me he thinks this is just a way for companies to get around the do not call list. By sending in the card, that gives the company permission to contact you because you gave them your phone number.
What should someone do with this?
"Throw it away," says Liesen.
Liesen tells me chances are you wouldn't need the extra coverage anyway.
And just to quell any other rumors you may have heard about Medicare premiums going up in price next year.
I checked with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
If you're on Medicare Part A, your premium will go up 44 dollars in 2009.
If you're on Medicare Part B, your premium will stay the same as you've paid this year.
