PIERRE, S.D. — Open enrollment for Medicare is now open and runs through December 7.
Medicare plans and coverage for prescription drugs change each year, so it is important for those who are enrolled in Medicare to evaluate their plan options and make changes during open enrollment.
Erik Gaikowski with AARP-South Dakota says people need to be cautious as they apply or make changes to their coverage. Gaikowski says fraud is a side effect of the sign-up period.
The South Dakota Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) consists of an Assistant Attorney General, two investigators, an auditor, and an administrative analyst, all of whom work under the direction of the Attorney General. The MFCU works closely with all State agencies involved with the Medicaid Program.
The Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Protection is advising all South Dakotans to be cautious of phone calls claiming to be from Medicare,” according to the notice from the South Dakota Consumer Protection Office of the Attorney General.
“Reports of callers claiming to be with Medicare have been on the increase. These callers will ask the individual to verify their current Medicare number on the premise that a new card and new number will be issued to the consumer,” according to the notice.
“If you have received a call like this and have given out any of your personal information, please contact the Division of Consumer Protection for assistance at 1-800-300-1986,” according to the notice.
There are a number of good, online resources to assist with Medicare Enrollment, acroding to Gaikowski. The senior Health Information and Insurance Education program (SHINE) is also a good resource for questions on Medicare Supplement Insurance. It is free to South Dakotans and offers counseling services.
SHINE has a book available, South Dakota Medicare Supplement Insurance Rates, it outlines the t10standard policies, and compares rates of each company and policy. You can get a copy of this book by calling SHINE at 1-800-822-8804.
More information on general sign-up is available at Medicare.gov.
