As in every industry sector, in the Medicare realm, bad actors are getting more sophisticated at scamming unsuspecting seniors. This is especially true during Open Enrollment Period, costing our country billions in fraudulent claims and causing immeasurable aggravation and potential harm resulting from delays in care and reimbursement.
Awareness is a powerful tool! You can fight fraud and watch for impersonators with some simple steps:
- Always double-check email addresses and phone numbers before responding to any inbound inquiry from Medicare, your healthcare provider or insurance company. The spoofers are getting very good!
- Never click on an unknown link.
- Check your explanation of benefits (EOB) to ensure the dates of service, services received, and amounts charged are correct. Make sure there is no billing for services not actually provided, for services not medically necessary, or for a more costly service than was actually performed.
- Guard your ID number as closely as you would financial information or your social security number.
- Sign one claim form per visit.
- Fill in the date on your claim forms. This makes it easier for you to match bills with your EOB.
- Do not fall prey to threats of Medicare termination, pressure to change plans or promises of free services that seem too good to be true.
If you suspect fraud, report it to Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE.
Resources: medicare.gov; ncoa.org
