Medicaid
Medicaid is managed at the state level and primarily communicates through mail or official state portals. Some states also use secure email notifications or require users to log in to check messages.
- You’ll usually receive a paper notice about renewals, missing documents, or coverage changes.
- Unsolicited phone calls are not standard practice.
- States like Florida remind residents to beware of scam calls claiming to be from Medicaid.
Official Source: medicaid.gov/contact-us
Medicare
Medicare is overseen by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and also relies on written communication.
- You’ll receive the "Medicare & You" handbook every year in the mail.
- Any calls from Medicare representatives typically happen only after you initiate contact, such as when filing a claim or asking a question.
- CMS never demands payment over the phone or asks for your full Social Security number out of the blue.
Official Source: cms.gov
Social Security Administration (SSA)
SSA communicates primarily via postal mail or through your My Social Security account online.
- SSA may call you, but only after you’ve started an application or have an ongoing case—and even then, you’ll typically get a written notice first.
- If you didn’t initiate contact, a phone call claiming to be from SSA is likely a scam.
- SSA will never threaten you, suspend your Social Security number, or demand payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency.
Official Source: ssa.gov/scam
Warning Signs of a Scam
If someone calls claiming to be from one of these agencies and:
- Asks for your Social Security number
- Demands payment via Venmo, gift cards, or wire transfer
- Uses threats of arrest or benefit suspension ...hang up immediately.
Then, contact the official agency through their verified website or phone number to confirm whether the outreach was legitimate.
What You Should Do
- Set up online accounts on SSA.gov, your state Medicaid portal, and Medicare.gov to monitor communications.
- Never share personal info over the phone unless you initiated the call using a verified number.
- Report suspicious calls to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Disclaimer
The information in this article is provided for general education only and is not official legal or government guidance. For the most up-to-date and accurate information, visit the official websites:
Being a caregiver is hard enough—don't let scammers make it harder. Staying informed is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your loved ones.
—The Rookie Caregiver Team
