THE TELEMARKETERS ARE CALLING! How to Spot Medicare Scams Recently, we’ve had multiple people inform us that they are receiving phone calls and emails from scammers acting as Medicare representatives. Unfortunately, this is a common situation that many people find themselves in. According to NBC, 2.4 million instances of fraud, identity theft, and other scams were reported to the Federal Trade Commission in 2019. Over 332,000 of these scammers were Medicare impostors! There are dozens of various moving parts within Medicare. Understanding its concepts and benefits can be confusing due to the wording and prerequisites you must fulfill. Because of this complicated process, many people are susceptible to Medicare scams. Here are a few strategies you can use to help you navigate through various Medicare scams. WILL MEDICARE CALL YOU? Typically, Medicare will not call you unless you call them first and ask someone to call you back. If you receive a phone call from a number other than 1-800-MEDICARE , it is most likely a scammer claiming to be a representative. Additionally, if someone from Medicare returns your call, they will never ask for your Medicare card or Social Security number — they already have this information on file. So, if someone calls you claiming to be a Medicare representative and asks for your personal information, please hang up! DON’T TRUST EVERYTHING YOU READ ON THE INTERNET. As you scroll through social media or listen to commercials on TV, you may see ads about Medicare offering various benefits and incentives. However, most promotions you read and hear that aren’t coming directly from Medicare or a trusted advisor are fake. Be cautious when receiving phone calls, emails, text messages, and fliers regarding Medicare. Scammers have gotten incredibly good at looking authentic, so please be careful! WHAT ARE THE COMMON MEDICARE SCAMS? We know of seven popular Medicare scams many people are experiencing right now. These include:
As we approach the summer months, Americans will spend more time in their outdoor spaces than at any other time of the year. From barbecues to pool parties, your patio will likely host many guests in the coming months — and there’s nothing worse than having an unprepared space that leaves your guests feeling uncomfortable. So, before your guests ever arrive this summer, refresh your patio by using these four trends. TREND NO. 1: AN UNEXPECTED TOUCH OF WICKER Wicker is common for outdoor spaces and a great way to make them feel casual yet comfortable. However, a complete wicker ensemble can sometimes feel overwhelming. You can still achieve this relaxed atmosphere by adding wicker in unexpected places, like a bar cart or small side table. This will help maintain a cozy atmosphere without making the entire patio look uniform or bland. TREND NO. 2: CONVERSATION-CENTRIC SEATING We sometimes assume that our guests want to move around when we host in outdoor spaces. But oftentimes, people actually enjoy staying in one place and getting to visit in a single area, like a patio that is both functional and fun. You can create this environment by organizing your outdoor furniture so the seats face each other. This cozy setup allows people to relax while catching up and is perfect for summer living! TREND NO. 3: SPACE-FOCUSED SERVEWARE While you may have a table or two on your patio, this surface area is limited — and serving trays or dishware can take up space fast. So, use clever serveware made to save space. These dishes are either tiered or boast deep basins to hold more food without taking up too much room. TREND NO. 4: BOLD LEAF PRINTS Many outdoor spaces feature concrete or brick flooring. While these materials can look appealing for a while, they eventually become damaged, faded, or dull. So, spice up your outside space with rugs, seat cushions, or pillows with leaf prints that can make your space feel natural yet exciting. These large-scale patterns and green prints can make your outdoor space fun and cozy. These outdoor design trends are easy ways to make your patio space come alive and ensure your guests will be talking about more than just the warm weather. HAVE YOUR GUESTS BEGGING TO COME OVER With These Summer Patio Trends
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Medicare issuing new cards
• Informing you that your Medicare coverage is going to be canceled • Receiving early access to special vaccines • Offering an opportunity for free genetic testing • Qualifying for free medical supplies • Notifying you that you’re eligible for a refund • Being preapproved for a cheaper or better plan If you ever have any questions regarding Medicare or if someone claims to be a Medicare representative, please don’t hesitate to contact us! We will be happy to review your plan and ensure everything is accurate.
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