2018 AARP Survey: Experience and Knowledge of Medicare Card Scams

In March 2018, AARP engaged Alan Newman Research to conduct a national research study among U.S. adults ages 65 and older about their experience and knowledge around the new Medicare cards being issued in April 2018 and potential vulnerability to scams related to the new card and benefits. 

Key findings include the following:

• Most (76%) U.S. adults ages 65 and older indicate they have not seen, read, or heard much or anything at all about the new Medicare cards (or are not sure).
  
  
• Three in four (75%) Medicare beneficiaries are not sure or are incorrect about the key change with the new cards being new identification number.
  
  
• Nearly two-thirds (63%) of Medicare beneficiaries are unsure or are incorrect in believing that Medicare will charge new beneficiaries a $25 processing fee for the new card. 
  
  
• Over half (56%) are not sure or are wrong in thinking that Medicare will call them to verify their Social Security number before they can receive their new card.
  
  
• At least one in three are extremely/very concerned about being a target of Medicare scam (33%) or victim of identity theft (40%).

This survey was conducted between March 12 and March 19, 2018.  A total of 800 telephone interviews (560 via landline telephones and 240 via cell phone) were completed. Survey length averaged 10 minutes. For more information contact Jennifer Sauer at JSauer@aarp.org.