About 411K seniors double-billed because of Medicare glitch

COLUMBUS - Medicare accidentally double-billed about 411,000 seniors nationwide, according to the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.  

Mary McKinley, 71, of Newark, realized she had been billed twice when she checked her account balance before buying her grandson an ice cream cone. She was double-billed $135.50.

McKinley first called her bank about the problem and then Medicare, where an employee told her there had been a glitch in the system. 

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid confirmed that the problem affected about 411,000 people who pay their Medicare premiums through Easy Pay. CMS is working with the Treasury Department to credit their accounts as soon as possible. 

About 20 percent of the erroneous charges were returned by seniors' banks and financial institutions. If the remaining charges aren't returned by Wednesday, the Treasury’s Bureau of Fiscal Service will reimburse the rest, according to CMS. 

McKinley said the extra charge wasn't a problem for her because she has relatives willing to supplement her fixed income. But she worries about others. 

"That’s a serious problem for a lot of people," McKinley said.

CMS advised that anyone concerned with an overdraft or other fees because of the double-billing should ask their banks to waive the charges. Seniors may contact 1-800-MEDICARE if their banks need verification that the glitch occurred.