Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens (AASC) would like to remind seniors to be on high alert for Medicare scammers.

Virginians are warned to protect their personal identity information following a spate of bogus calls to Medicare beneficiaries across the commonwealth in which callers threaten to terminate coverage or cut off Social Security checks if recipients refuse to provide the requested information.

The Office of the Attorney General joins the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) in advising Medicare participants who receive one of the fraudulent calls to refuse to give personal information such as Medicare or Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, credit or debit card numbers, or their date of birth in response to unsolicited telephone calls. “It is critical to remember to never give out your personal or financial information when someone initiates a call to you. Instead, hang up and call the number for the organization that’s published in the phone book, so you can be sure you are talking to the right people,” said Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli. “If you suspect you’ve been a victim of medical identity theft, contact the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-HHS-TIPS.”

Medical identity thieves use high pressure tactics to obtain Medicare and Social Security numbers, bank account information, or private insurance information. Callers try to confuse people into believing they represent the government or private insurers and threaten the loss of Social Security or Medicare coverage if beneficiaries refuse to cooperate. It is critical to remember to not release any personal information unless you have placed a call to a specific organization such as the Social Security Administration or your personal bank.

“Unfortunately, during the Medicare enrollment period, scammers will try to take advantage of older Virginians,” said DARS commissioner Jim Rothrock. “It’s important for beneficiaries to understand that Medicare will never call them to ask for personal information, including bank account or Social Security numbers.”

AASC is one of Virginia’s 25 Area Agencies on Aging designated by the Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services to carry out the department’s mission to foster the dignity, independence and security of older Virginians by promoting partnerships with communities at the local level. AASC offers information and services for older adults residing in Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell counties. Visit the organization’s website at www.aasc.org or call toll-free at 1-800-656-2272.

Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens (AASC) encourages Medicare participants to take advantage of the open enrollment this year.

The enrollment period for the 2013 Part D Plans will begin on October 15, 2012 and end on December 7, 2012. New prescription drug and health plan choices are offered every year. You could save money, get better coverage, or both. It is worth the time to compare, let Medicare help.

For more information on Medicare Open Enrollment log on to www.medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-Medicare.

AASC is one of Virginia’s 25 Area Agencies on Aging designated by the Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services to carry out the department’s mission to foster the dignity, independence and security of older Virginians by promoting partnerships with communities at the local level. AASC offers information and services for older adults residing in Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell counties. Visit the organization’s website at www.aasc.org or call toll-free at 1-800-656-2272.

Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens (AASC) is available to assist Senior Citizens with legal aid services in Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell, and Tazewell counties.

Partnering with the Southwest Virginia Legal Aid Society, AASC can assist seniors with a variety of legal services they may need such as protection from an abusive family member, divorce, consumer or utility problems such as home repossession, utility service being cut off without written notice, refusal of electric, water, or telephone service.

Assistance may also be used if you are denied nursing home care, cannot afford medicine and/or hospital bills, refusal to gain public or subsidized housing, or have been denied unemployment benefits.

If you are interested in more information on Legal Aid please contact Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizen’s Ombudsman, Linda Shortt at 1-800 656 2272 or 276-964-7127.

AASC is one of Virginia’s 25 Area Agencies on Aging designated by the Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services to carry out the department’s mission to foster the dignity, independence and security of older Virginians by promoting partnerships with communities at the local level. AASC offers information and services for older adults residing in Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell counties. Visit the organization’s website at www.aasc.org or call toll-free at 1-800-656-2272.