Jennifer Schultz

Communications Coordinator
Missoula Aging Services
(406) 728-7682
jschultz@missoulaagingservices.org

MEDIA ALERT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDICARE IS NOT CALLING YOU

MISSOULA, MT (MAY 16, 2023) Missoula Aging Services (MAS) received information about an
active scam targeting older adults in Montana. In the report, several individuals received
multiple calls last week from someone claiming to be from Medicare. This could be a trend in
other areas and the Agency would like to remind Medicare recipients to be aware: Medicare
does not need to verify your information to get you more benefits. If somebody calls you to tell
you that, they're lying. It's another Medicare scam.

In the reports, the caller asks to verify the Medicare recipient’s zip code, type of policy held, the
color of their Medicare card and other personal information. In one report, the caller said to the
Medicare recipient, “What can I do to convince you that I’m calling from Medicare?”

Statewide Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Program Director at MAS, Renee Labrie-Shanks,
shared the following, "Medicare will never call people on Medicare to ask for or check their
Medicare number. As with any unsolicited call, do not give personal information over the phone,
whether it’s your Medicare number, Social Security number, bank account information, or your
full birthday. Scammers are looking for missing pieces of information to steal your identity.”

Labrie-Shanks added, “To protect yourself from scammers, do not answer your phone if you
don’t recognize the number. If it’s important, they will leave a voicemail. Also, always read your
Medicare Summary Notices or Medicare Advantage EOB’s, especially if you’ve been receiving
calls like these. It may indicate you’ve already been targeted.”

If you think you’ve been a victim of Medicare fraud, call Montana Senior Medicare
Patrol: (800) 551-3191 or visit the website: smpresource.org for more information.
About Missoula Aging Services:
Missoula Aging Services promotes the independence, dignity and health of older adults and those who
care for them.

For over 40 years, Missoula Aging Services has empowered thousands of older adults, their families and
caregivers through programs, services, volunteer opportunities and education to continue to live
independently at home, for as long as possible.

Find out more: missoulaagingservices.org

About Montana SMP:

Montana SMP is a program coordinated by Missoula Aging Services and partnered with local Area
Agencies on Aging. This project was supported by grant #90MPPG0052 from the U.S. Administration for
Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington D.C., 20201. Points of view
or opinions do not necessarily represent official ACL policy.

The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) helps to educate Medicare beneficiaries about ways to prevent,
detect, and combat Medicare fraud. For more information about Medicare fraud, visit the website at
smpresource.org