Protect Yourself and Medicare
Protect Yourself and Medicare
There is a phone call from a "representative" offering a free back brace or knee brace in exchange for your Medicare number. This appears harmless at first, but it is an attempt at fraud and could lead to identity theft. Fraud, errors, and abuse cost Medicare an estimated $60 billion annually. These issues affect countless Medicare beneficiaries every day. Fortunately, there are a few simple tips you can use to protect yourself against these types of scams. Remembering to protect, detect, and report helps everyone, including you and your loved ones.
PROTECT
Preventing fraud and abuse in healthcare involves safeguarding your personal information.
Steps to protect yourself and your health care benefits:
- Medicare and Social Security numbers should be treated as credit cards. Never give these numbers to a stranger.
- Medicare won't call you to ask for your Medicare number.
- Do not carry your Medicare card unless you need it for a doctor's visit.
- Make sure you keep an accurate record of your medical visits, tests, and procedures.
- Keep your Medicare statements, including Medicare Summary Notices and Explanations of Benefits.
DETECT
The detection of suspicious activity can help you prevent errors, fraud, and abuse.
Steps to detect possible errors, fraud, and abuse:
- Examine Medicare statements for accuracy by comparing them to personal records.
- Look for three things on your Medicare statements:
- Charges for something you did not get.
- Billing for the same services or supplies twice.
- Services that were not ordered by your doctor.
REPORT
Be sure to report any fraud you suspect has occurred. This will help you and others at risk for healthcare scams.
Steps to report suspicious behavior:
- In the event that you receive a suspicious call, do not reveal any personal information. Contact your local Senior Medicare Patrol immediately if you receive such a call.
- Call your healthcare provider or plan if you have questions about your Medicare statements.
- Contact your local Senior Medicare Patrol if you're uncomfortable calling your health provider or if you're not satisfied with their response.
Visit https://smpresource.org to learn more about the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP), a national program for people with Medicare of all ages. If you have questions or would like assistance, contact the Johnson County Aging and Human Services SMP at 913-715-8844 or email AHS-SMP@jocogov.org.
Article Resource: SMP KDADS Brochure
Joy Miller, Family and Community Wellness Extension Agent