Medicare fraud is on the rise, and scammers are finding new ways to steal personal information and bill for services or supplies you never received. Protecting your Medicare number is just as important as safeguarding your credit card.
By staying alert and knowing how to spot fraud, you can prevent identity theft, avoid unnecessary charges, and protect your benefits.
How to Spot Medicare Fraud
✅ Review Your Medicare Claims
- Regularly check your Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) or Explanation of Benefits (EOBs).
- Compare these records with your personal calendar to confirm all listed services were received.
✅ Understand Your Medicare Plan
- Know what your Medicare health or drug plan can and cannot offer.
- Never accept unsolicited offers for “free medical care” or additional coverage.
✅ Be Cautious with Phone Calls and Emails
- Medicare will never call you to sell products or ask for personal information.
- If someone claims to be from Medicare, verify their identity before sharing details.
How to Protect
🔒 Treat Your Medicare Card Like a Credit Card
- Keep your Medicare and Social Security numbers private.
- Only share your Medicare number with trusted healthcare providers.
📞 Verify Suspicious Charges
- If you see an unfamiliar charge, call your doctor’s office to clarify.
- Sometimes, billing errors can occur, but if fraud is suspected, report it immediately.
🚫 Avoid Common Medicare Scams
- Medicare will never:
- Visit your home to sell services.
- Call to ask for personal details unless you are already enrolled in a plan.
- Offer money or gifts in exchange for free medical care.
Suspect Medicare Fraud
If you believe you’ve been a victim of Medicare fraud, take these steps:
📞 Report it to Medicare
- Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
🖥 File a Complaint Online
- Visit the official Medicare website (www.medicare.gov) to submit a fraud report.
🔍 Check Your Benefits
- Log in to your Medicare account to track your claims and prevent future fraud.
By staying informed and reporting suspicious activity, you can help protect your Medicare benefits and prevent scammers from taking advantage of unsuspecting individuals.
FAQs
How can I check for Medicare fraud?
Compare your Medicare statements with your calendar and verify charges.
Will Medicare ever call me?
Medicare will not call to sell services or request personal information.
What should I do if I suspect Medicare fraud?
Call 1-800-MEDICARE or file a complaint at Medicare.gov.
Can someone offer me free medical care for my Medicare info?
No, never accept money or gifts in exchange for medical care.
Who should have access to my Medicare number?
Only your doctor and authorized Medicare personnel.
