Ways to Protect Yourself from Medicare Fraud

Even Medicare and other federal healthcare programs are not exempt from being targets of fraud. Some of the most common Medicare fraud and abuse tactics include billing for services not provided, prescribing excessive tests, and billing for unnecessary medical services.

According to the National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association, taxpayers are losing more than $100 billion a year to Medicare and Medicaid fraud. Anyone eligible and enrolled in the program is at risk of Medicare fraud.

As fraudsters continue to modify their existing schemes, all you can do is spot these scams and ploys. Don’t let them exploit your benefits by learning effective strategies against fraudulent activities. Here are some simple but effective tips to protect yourself from being a victim of Medicare fraud.

1. Keep Your Personal Information to Yourself

Medical identity theft is a common tactic of fraudsters. This is when someone steals and uses your personal information to submit fraudulent claims to Medicare. If you fall victim to fraud, this will disrupt your medical care and result in financial hardships.

Always be cautious when sharing personal information such as your name, Social Security number, or date of birth. Remember that Medicare will not call you to verify your personal information or sell you anything. To report suspected Medicare fraud, call the Medicare hotline and talk to a representative about medical identity theft.

2. Guard Your Medicare Card

Aside from your personal information, you should guard your Medicare card at all times. Protect your Medicare card as you would your Social Security card, credit card, or your driver’s license. Never give them to a stranger who might steal your medical information.

Unless you have healthcare appointments, do not bring your Medicare to avoid losing or misplacing it. It’s a good idea to store your Medicare card in a locked desk drawer or filing cabinet. In case of an emergency, have your Medicare card readily available.

3. Don’t Share Your Medicare Number with Anyone

Medicare will never call you unless you asked for a callback. That’s why you should never talk to a stranger asking for your Medicare number. Be cautious of unsolicited calls from people claiming to work for the federal agency. In the wrong hands, your Medicare number can be used by someone to impersonate you and file for false claims and reimbursement.

4. Beware of “Free” Healthcare Services or Products

If something is too good to be true, it probably isn't. Be careful of strangers who offer free services or equipment in exchange for your Medicare or Social Security number. These scammers often conduct door-to-door visits to offer “free” genetic testing kits or COVID-19 tests, which is a common scam to get your Medicare number. In case you receive these kinds of free products, refuse the delivery and avoid giving out your personal information.

5. Read Your Medicare Statements

Regardless of if you’re enrolled in Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan, you should always review your Medicare statements. Medicare will send you either Explanation of Benefits (EOB) or a Medicare Summary Notice (MSN). 

These Medicare statements show the summary of healthcare services and products you have received. In addition, you will see how much Medicare paid for services and any outstanding bills you have due. 

Read the statements carefully to ensure that there are no errors. Compare your statements to all your receipts. If you notice any discrepancies or any unexpected charges, contact the Medicare hotline immediately.

6. Report Suspected Medicare Fraud

Now that you know the various types of Medicare scams, make sure to report any suspicious activity. Whether it’s unsolicited emails or phony websites, submit a report immediately to the appropriate authorities. 

There’s a volunteer-based program called Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP), which helps beneficiaries prevent, detect, and report fraud. You may also call your healthcare provider or the Medicare hotline for assistance. 

Conclusion

At Local Retirement Group, we are a local insurance agency specializing in Medicare coverage. Our goal is to deliver exceptional service and serve our client’s best interests. All our insurance agents are trained to review Medicare plans and guide you in choosing the most suitable one. We can educate you on different Medicare plan options and provide you with helpful tips and advice.

If you have questions about how to get started with Medicare planning,  get in touch with us today. We look forward to helping you!