Fighting Fraud
By Better Business Bureau Serving Greater Cleveland
Each year, Medicare loses an estimated $60 billion due to abuse, errors and fraud. While some Medicare-related errors may be honest billing mistakes, many are not, and it’s up to consumers to report questionable activity they see with their accounts. Medicare fraud can take a few different forms. The most common types of fraud older adults may encounter are unsolicited phone calls about durable medical equipment (DME) such as braces or unsolicited requests to schedule an appointment with a company doctor to prescribe DMEs and genetic tests. Older consumers, however, should also be checking their Medicare Summary Reports (MSN) and their Explanation of Benefits (EOB) for erroneous, duplicated, or unrecognized charges. Seniors can review these statements online at MyMedicare.gov.
Here are tips older adults can use to identify and avoid Medicare fraud:
- Check out potential provider reviews on BBB.org and do a web search to see if anyone has reported the company for potentially fraudulent activity.
- Refuse and report anyone offering “free” equipment, supplies, or services in exchange for a Medicare number.
- Be aware that Medicare medical suppliers are not allowed to make unsolicited telephone calls or to send e-mails selling equipment unless you’ve done business with them in the last 15 months.
- Never sign a blank form from a healthcare provider or equipment supplier.
- Always read the Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or Explanation of Benefits (EOB) to look for any charges for equipment you do not need or did not receive.
- Protect Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security cards. Keep them in a safe place (not a wallet), and only get them out when seeing a health care provider.
The Better Business Bureau® (BBB®) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) both recommend that consumers report fraud to Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE. If consumers receive DME they didn’t order, they can contact the Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General online or at 1-800-HHS-TIPS. Consumers can also contact a local Senior Medicare Patrol if they need assistance or can file a complaint with Better Business Bureau at BBB.org/Complaint.
