Scam Alert: Medical Fraud and Identity Theft
Medical fraud can be easy to miss because it may not start with money coming directly out of your pocket.
Instead, it may show up as a fraudulent medical charge, fake claim, or service listed on your Medicare or insurance account that you never received.
What it is:
Fraudulent medical charges to your Medicare or medical insurance account.
Why it is dangerous:
Fraudulent charges can become part of your medical record. That can create problems with future diagnoses, treatments, coverage, or insurance claims.
That is why it is important to review your Medicare Summary Notice, Explanation of Benefits, and insurance paperwork.
Red flags include:
Unexpected calls asking for your Medicare number or insurance information.
Someone calling to “verify benefits.”
Offers for free medical equipment.
Claims for services you did not receive.
Bills from providers you do not recognize.
Medical supplies arriving that you did not order.
How to protect yourself:
Review your Medicare Summary Notice or Explanation of Benefits for charges you do not recognize.
Report suspicious charges.
Hang up and verify through the company’s official contact methods.
Do not share your Medicare number or insurance information with unexpected callers.
Do not accept “free” medical equipment from someone who contacts you out of the blue.
Do not share medical information unless you know exactly who is requesting it and why.
Mike’s note:
Treat your Medicare number like a credit card. If someone contacts you unexpectedly and asks for it, stop and verify first.
Medicare Fraud Reporting:
https://www.medicare.gov/basics/reporting-medicare-fraud-and-abuse
Source: R.O.S.E. Resources
Official supporting resource: Medicare.gov
https://www.medicare.gov/basics/reporting-medicare-fraud-and-abuse
