The Department of Health and Human Services of the United States urges citizens to be alert to Medicare fraud, requests that they learn to identify and report them.
Anyone with Medicare is at risk of fraud related to the program, so the government institution warns people to beware of scammers who steal Medicare numbers and other personal information to exploit enrollee benefits .
Generally speaking, Medicare fraud occurs when someone makes false claims for health care services, procedures, and equipment to obtain payment from Medicare.
“Anyone with Medicare can be targeted for Medicare fraud,” said Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). “But there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones by using CMS tips to recognize and report potential scammers. Let’s all work together to make sure you don’t fall victim to Medicare fraud.”
How to Spot Medicare Scams
There are many types of Medicare scams, coming in the form of spam emails, phone calls, text messages, social media posts, and fake websites. Scammers often claim to be from the Medicare office, an insurance company, or a government office. They will ask for your personal and financial information, such as your Social Security or Medicare number, so they can submit false payment claims.
Keep in Mind Medicare will never call, text, email, or reach out to you on social media to ask for your Medicare number.
Common Medicare scams:
Offers of “free” genetic tests
· Calls or emails about free medical equipment, such as knee pads, walkers or canes
Requests for other services, such as “paid” clinical research trial offers
While this is not a complete list, these examples give an idea of how to spot potential Medicare fraud. Scammers will go to great lengths to present these services and products as genuine in exchange for your Medicare number.
How to protect yourself
Protect your Medicare Number as well as your Social Security card and your credit card
Share your Medicare number only with trusted health care providers
Check your Medicare statements, keep an eye out for suspicious billed services, and ask questions if something seems wrong
Report scammers
To report possible Medicare fraud, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
For more information on Medicare fraud, visit Medicare.gov/fraud.
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