Medicare scams hurt us all by passing on higher taxes, higher costs, and more chance that patients don't receive the services or treatment they need, since Medicare defrauders are criminals preying on those needing medical help.
Hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars are at risk each year, but defense against Medicare fraud starts with the patients and families.
The absolute, most important thing to do is read the Medicare Summary Notice, or MSN, word by word in order to make sure you are not being short changed or not. If you are not sure about a certain section of the statement or do not know what you need then a doctor will be able to help you.
If you don't get an answer that's satisfactory, you can call the company that paid the Medicare claim. Their contact information is always listed on the MSN, and they want to help you in preventing Medicare scams. If you think somebody committed Medicare fraud, but you don't have your MSN, just call this hotline: 1-800-447-8477.
Being a smart customer also stops Medicare fraud from happening in the first place. One thing you can do before even considering purchasing Medicare, for example, is to be suspicious of any provider that claims to endorse Medicare while initiating contact through telemarketing or door-to-door sales.
Giving your Medicare Health Insurance Claim Number or Medicare card to a provider who claims that Medicare doesnt usually cover this, but we know how to get them to pay for it is asking for trouble, as is dealing with providers who claim that Medicare wants you to have this. Medicare is an insurance company, and no insurance program ever chooses to pay more than is absolutely required.
Also, never give your number or card to a provider who says they'll do something for free if you do so. You can bet theyll bill Medicare for somethingand you probably wont have received it.
Medicare fraud is a terrible thing that only you can help prevent. If you need more information, just visit Medicare.gov and read up. - 26706
Hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars are at risk each year, but defense against Medicare fraud starts with the patients and families.
The absolute, most important thing to do is read the Medicare Summary Notice, or MSN, word by word in order to make sure you are not being short changed or not. If you are not sure about a certain section of the statement or do not know what you need then a doctor will be able to help you.
If you don't get an answer that's satisfactory, you can call the company that paid the Medicare claim. Their contact information is always listed on the MSN, and they want to help you in preventing Medicare scams. If you think somebody committed Medicare fraud, but you don't have your MSN, just call this hotline: 1-800-447-8477.
Being a smart customer also stops Medicare fraud from happening in the first place. One thing you can do before even considering purchasing Medicare, for example, is to be suspicious of any provider that claims to endorse Medicare while initiating contact through telemarketing or door-to-door sales.
Giving your Medicare Health Insurance Claim Number or Medicare card to a provider who claims that Medicare doesnt usually cover this, but we know how to get them to pay for it is asking for trouble, as is dealing with providers who claim that Medicare wants you to have this. Medicare is an insurance company, and no insurance program ever chooses to pay more than is absolutely required.
Also, never give your number or card to a provider who says they'll do something for free if you do so. You can bet theyll bill Medicare for somethingand you probably wont have received it.
Medicare fraud is a terrible thing that only you can help prevent. If you need more information, just visit Medicare.gov and read up. - 26706
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Now you know what to do if you suspect medicare fraud. Another related article on the subject: Suspect Medicare Fraud. For more information on medicare fraud, please visit http://medicare-benefits.com
