MedicareRxMatters: Ask the Experts

Medicare Question of the Month

Each month, our expert showcases a Medicare question submitted by a member of the My Medicare Community. You may submit a question at any time and get a personal response.

November 2008 Question:

  • A nice young man who I do not know called me today and told me I would lose my Medicare if I didn't make an appointment for him to come have me sign some papers, could I lose my Medicare?

Answer:

  • No, you cannot lose your Medicare, and Medicare does not call people to have them sign papers to keep their Medicare. In fact, the young man is probably trying to sell you a private Medicare plan, and he is breaking the law by trying to get you to let him into your home. You should never allow anyone you do not know and did not previously ask to come into your home. Nor should you ever sign papers without fully understanding what you are signing. Most importantly, you do not have to sign any papers to keep your Medicare.

    If you would like objective information about your Medicare choices, you can call your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program, or SHIP. These federally funded organizations give free, unbiased information to Medicare consumers like you. Find your local SHIP.

Our Expert:

Hilary Dalin
Associate Director, My Medicare Matters
National Council on Aging

Hilary Dalin has worked for many years to enable Medicare beneficiaries to understand their rights by strengthening Medicare beneficiary education and personalized counseling.

At NCOA and in her prior positions, Ms. Dalin has worked with State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs), state and local agencies on aging, and other aging network professionals. She has taught elder law at law schools in New York, Connecticut, and Washington, DC.

In addition, she has written and lectured on the following topics:

  • Medicare, Medicaid, and home and community-based care as an alternative to institutionalization
  • The rights of nursing home residents
  • Benefits education and counseling skills.

NEXT: More Questions