Workshop brings info on Medicare fraud, scams to local seniors
CROCKETT COUNTY, Tenn. — Scammers steal billions of dollars from people across the country and defraud essential services like Medicare of about $60 billion annually.
Medicare fraud can happen anywhere and to anyone.
It starts with a phone call. The person on the other line claims to be from Medicare and asks you to verify your name and Medicare number.
Maybe they offer free medical equipment, or prescription drugs at no cost, but need more details for processing.
These are all red flags of a fraudster.
More than 66 million people in the U.S. get their health coverage from Medicare–but it’s important to note that Medicare loses an estimated $60 billion each year to fraud, errors, and abuse.
Some examples could be a provider billing Medicare for services or supplies they never gave you, charging Medicare twice for a service you only received once, or someone stealing your Medicare card or number and using it to submit fraudulent claims in your name.
Senior Medicare Patrol Supervisor, Michael Pierce, warned residents of Medicare schemes targeting those 65 and older Tuesday during the Scam Jam workshop held at the Crockett County Senior Center.
“Someone calling and asking to speak with them by name and they don’t know who that person is, by all means just disconnect the calling without saying anything,” Pierce said.
Pierce says if you say yes to a question it could be recorded and used in an enrollment later on.
He also says to follow the four R’s for fighting fraud.
Record your doctors appointments with the dates, times, tests, and any services you receive and compare this to your Medicare summary notice that you receive in the mail–this can be in a calendar or your health care tracker, provided by Senior Medicare Patrol.
Review your claims and statements. If you think a charge is incorrect and you know the provider, give them a call so their staff can better explain the services or supplies you got.
Remember to protect yourself.
Medicare will not call you to sell you a plan, offer discounts, or prompt you to apply for a new card.
Never give your Medicare card number or social security number to anyone except your doctor, a trusted caretaker, or family member.
If you suspect fraud, report it.
If you suspect fraud, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or report Medicare fraud online by clicking here. You can also report suspected fraud to your local SMP Resource Center —
Contact Tennessee Senior Medicare Patrol for more information at 1-866-836-7677.
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