Why You Should Be Aware of Medicare Fraud and Scams
As scammers and fraudulent practices become more evolved, it’s more important than ever for Medicare plan beneficiaries to be aware of Medicare fraud and scams. It’s essential to be on the lookout for this type of activity since the National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association estimates that taxpayers lose more than $100 billion per year to Medicare and Medicaid fraud. Staying up to date on the latest Medicare scams can help you stay safe while keeping your financial information and healthcare coverage protected. In this article, we’ll walk you through common signs of Medicare fraud and list tips to protect yourself from financial loss due to a scam or fraudulent behavior.
Common Medicare Fraud and Scams
Medicare fraud and scams pose significant threats to the integrity of the healthcare system and the financial well-being of beneficiaries. Common Medicare frauds and scams encompass a wide range of deceptive practices aimed at unlawfully obtaining money from the Medicare program or individuals, including:
Identity Theft: Scammers may pose as Medicare representatives and request personal information, such as Medicare numbers, in order to commit identity theft. They can then use this information to fraudulently bill Medicare for services or supplies.
Offering Free Services or Equipment: Scammers may offer "free" services, equipment, or supplies to individuals, claiming that Medicare will cover the costs. In reality, they may bill Medicare for unnecessary for non-delivered items, exploiting the system for financial gain and defrauding Medicare beneficiaries of services or equipment they believe they ordered.
Billing Fraud: Healthcare providers or suppliers may engage in phony billing by charging Medicare for services or supplies that were not provided or by inflating the costs of items beyond their actual value.
Medicare Card Replacement Scam: Scammers may contact a beneficiary and falsely claim that they need to replace their Medicare card, for which they might charge a fee. Medicare typically provides new cards automatically and free of charge, so Medicare beneficiaries should be cautious of such requests.
Unsolicited Visitors or Callers: Unsolicited calls or visits from individuals claiming to represent Medicare or affiliated organizations can be a red flag for potential scams. These individuals may request personal information or payment for services that are not legitimate.
Being aware of these common Medicare scams can help you protect yourself from falling victim to fraudulent activities and can contribute to the prevention of Medicare fraud.
Tips to Protect Yourself from Medicare Fraud and Scams
Here’s a list of tips to help you safeguard yourself and your assets from Medicare fraud and scams:
Guard Personal Information: Protect personal information, especially Medicare and Social Security numbers (SSN), as these are valuable targets for scammers looking to engage in fraudulent behavior. Be cautious about sharing these details and only provide them to trusted healthcare providers.
Be Informed: Stay informed about Medicare plan coverage, benefits, and rights. Understanding legitimate Medicare plan processes and services can help you recognize and report suspicious activities. You should also stay updated on Medicare plan policies and changes, as official Medicare communications and updates can help you remain informed about any modifications to the program and be aware of potential scams related to these changes.
Review Medicare Summary Notices: Regularly review Medicare Summary Notices or Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statements for any unfamiliar charges or services. Report any discrepancies or suspicious activities to an official Medicare plan contact.
Question Suspicious Offers: Be cautious of unsolicited offers for free medical equipment, services, or treatments. Verify the legitimacy of such offers with Medicare or a trusted healthcare provider before providing any personal information.
Report Suspicious Activity: Report any suspected Medicare fraud or abuse to the appropriate authorities. This includes the Medicare fraud hotline at 1-800-Medicare (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048) or the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office of the Inspector General hotline.
Verify the Legitimacy of Providers: Verify the credentials and legitimacy of healthcare providers, suppliers, or individuals offering Medicare-related services. Ensure they are authorized and enrolled in the Medicare program before receiving any services or supplies.
Let SelectQuote Be Your Trusted Partner in Finding a Medicare Advantage Plan
SelectQuote is here to help answer any questions you may have about Medicare fraud and scams and to guide you to the appropriate resources. With nearly 40 years of industry experience, our licensed insurance agents can help ensure you have the right coverage for your healthcare needs with a Medicare Advantage plan. We work with a variety of Medicare Advantage carriers to find you quality coverage you can trust.
