Be aware of COVID-19 vaccine scams

MEDICARE ALERT

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), older adults and people who have severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease seem to be at higher risk for more serious COVID-19 illness.

This means that most people with Medicare are at higher risk.

Medicare Covers FDA-approved COVID-19 Vaccines

Pharmaceutical manufacturers are now working to distribute the vaccine to federally- and state-approved locations to start the vaccination of priority groups. State governments will handle the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.

Look for updates from Gov. Newsom and other state and local leaders as more doses of the vaccine become available for additional priority groups.

Be Alert for Scammers

Medicare covers the vaccine at no cost to you, so if anyone asks you to share your Medicare number or pay for access to the vaccine, it’s a scam.

Here’s what to know:

• You can’t pay to put your name on a list to get the vaccine.

• You can’t pay to get early access to a vaccine.

• Don’t share your personal or financial information if someone calls, texts or emails you promising access to the vaccine for a fee.

Protecting Yourself and Others

• Wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose.

• Stay at least 6 feet (about two arm lengths) from others who don’t live with you, particularly in crowded areas.

• Avoid crowds and indoor spaces as much as possible, particularly ones that aren’t well ventilated. Learn more about daily activities and going out.

• Wash your hands often.

• Watch for symptoms.

• Stay home if you think you’ve been exposed to COVID-19.

• Learn what to do if you are sick with COVID-19 or think you might have COVID-19.

Staying Safe

Gatherings can be an opportunity to reconnect with family and friends, but getting together with people who don’t live with you can increase the chances of getting or spreading COVID-19. .

Medicare Covers Related Needs

• Medicare covers the lab tests for COVID-19.

• Medicare covers FDA-authorized COVID-19 antibody (or “serology”) tests if you were diagnosed with a known current or known prior COVID-19 infection or suspected current or suspected past COVID-19 infection.

• Medicare covers monoclonal antibody treatments for COVID-19.

• Medicare covers COVID-19 vaccines.

• Medicare covers all medically necessary hospitalizations. This includes if you’re diagnosed with COVID-19 and might otherwise have been discharged from the hospital after an inpatient stay, but instead you need to stay in the hospital under quarantine. You’ll still pay for any hospital deductibles, copays or coinsurances that apply.

• If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, you have access to these same benefits. Medicare allows these plans to waive cost-sharing for COVID-19 lab tests. Many plans offer additional telehealth benefits and expanded benefits, like meal delivery or medical transport services. Check with your plan about your coverage and costs.

Scammers may use the coronavirus national emergency to take advantage of people while they’re distracted. As always, guard your Medicare card like a credit card, check Medicare claims summary forms for errors, and if someone calls asking for your Medicare number, hang up.

—from Medicare.com