Medicare fraud and scams: how to protect yourself
Watch out for SCAMS
Unfortunately, there are many people who try to take advantage of Medicare and its beneficiaries through fraud and scams. It’s important to know how to protect yourself so you can enjoy the benefits of your Medicare coverage without worrying about being scammed.
One common type of Medicare fraud is when someone falsely bills Medicare for services or equipment that you never received. This can happen if someone uses your Medicare number without your knowledge to submit claims for services or equipment that they didn’t actually provide.
Fraud
Another type of Medicare fraud is when someone convinces you to sign up for unnecessary services or equipment, such as a power wheelchair or home health care services, that you don’t really need. This can happen if someone visits you at home and pressures you into signing up for these services, or if they contact you over the phone and try to sell you on the idea that you need these services.
To protect yourself from Medicare fraud, it’s important to always be cautious about giving out your personal information, including your Medicare number. Never give your Medicare number to someone you don’t know or trust, and don’t ever give it out over the phone unless you initiated the call. It’s also important to always review your Medicare Summary Notice to make sure that you received the services or equipment that were billed to Medicare.
Another way to protect yourself from scams is to be aware of the Medicare Open Enrollment Period, which is the time when you can change or enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan or Part D drug plan.
Another way to protect yourself is by not responding to unsolicited phone calls or unsolicited emails. If you’re not sure whether something is a scam, you can contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for advice.
Summary
In summary, Medicare fraud and scams can happen to anyone, but you can take steps to protect yourself. Keep your personal information safe, review your Medicare Summary Notice, and be aware of the Medicare Open Enrollment Period. Don’t respond to unsolicited phone calls or emails, and if you’re not sure whether something is a scam, contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program for advice.
