You may already be taking steps to protect your health during the COVID-19 emergency. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is telling people to  protect their identity from scammers by guarding your Medicare Number.

It's easy to get distracted and let your guard down during these uncertain times. Scammers may try to steal your Medicare Number. They might lie about sending you Coronavirus vaccines, tests, masks, or other items in exchange for your Medicare Number or personal information.

Protect yourself from scams:

Only share your Medicare Number with your primary and specialty care doctors, participating Medicare pharmacist, hospital, health insurer, or other trusted healthcare provider.

Check your Medicare claims summary forms for errors.

 Visit Medicare.gov/fraud for more information on protecting yourself from fraud and reporting suspected fraud.

The Medicare Resource Center which have locations in Dayton, Columbus, Piqua, & Cincinnati are fully operational using a newly developed virtual web technology. The online web based tool allows consumers to book online appointments and talk face to face with a Medicare navigator without ever having to leave the comfort of  their home. This recently deployed technology is available for free to anyone who needs information on the Medicare program or needs assistance enrolling into a Medicare plan.