If you receive a Medicare scam call, hang up. Speaking to the Medicare phone scammers, even to tell them off, can encourage more scammers to call your number. If calls persist, consider discussing certain scam blocking features with your phone company.
What do I do if I get a Medicare scam call?
Contact: Provider fraud or abuse in Original Medicare (including a fraudulent claim, or a claim from a provider you didn’t get care from) 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of the Inspector General.
Can I protect myself from Medicare scams?
Jul 07, 2020 · If you believe you have been approached with a Medicare scam, you should report the incident as soon as possible. It is important to hold people accountable and to prevent others from being subjected to the same scams. Reach out to Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477).
What should I do if I find a discrepancy on Medicare?
Jan 06, 2022 · If you believe that you are a victim of Medicare fraud or if you have unequivocal proof, the first thing you want to do is report it to the authorities. Medicare.gov shares that there are three ways to do this: Call Medicare.gov at (800) 633-4227. Call the Office of the Inspector General at (800) HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477)
What are the most common Medicare scams?
Dec 04, 2019 · If you suspect a Medicare card scam, report it to Medicare at 800-633-4227. You can report identity theft, and get help with a recovery plan, at the Federal Trade Commission's IdentityTheft.gov site. You can also call the FTC at 877-438-4338.
What can a scammer do with a Medicare number?
If you get a call from people promising you things if you give them your Medicare Number — don't do it. This is a common Medicare scam. Refuse any offer of money or gifts for free medical care. A common ploy of identity thieves is to say they can send you your free gift right away — they just need your Medicare Number.Sep 15, 2021
Can someone steal your identity with your Medicare card?
One common kind of healthcare-related fraud is medical identity theft, which happens when a thief uses personal information — including your Medicare number — to access your healthcare benefits. This could include: Filling prescriptions. Purchasing medical equipment.Dec 9, 2021
Which is an example of Medicare abuse?
Let someone use their Medicare card to get medical care, supplies or equipment. Sell their Medicare number to someone who bills Medicare for services not received. Provide their Medicare number in exchange for money or a free gift. In some cases, beneficiaries may unknowingly commit fraud in this way.
How do I report to CMS?
For General Public & Providers - Report About Medicare & Medicaid:By Phone. Health & Human Services Office of the Inspector General. 1-800-HHS-TIPS. ... Online. Health & Human Services Office of the Inspector General Website.By Fax. Maximum of 10 pages. 1-800-223-8164.By Mail. Office of Inspector General.Dec 1, 2021
What do you do if someone steals your Medicare number?
You can replace your Original Medicare card by calling 1-800-633-4227 or by logging into your mymedicare.gov account. If your red, white, and blue Original Medicare card is lost or stolen, or you can no longer use it because it is too faded or damaged, you can replace it by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227).
Does Medicare ever call your home?
Medicare will never call you! Medicare may need information from you or may need to reach you; but, they'll NEVER call. You'll get a letter that will notify you of the necessary information that Medicare needs. Long story short, if the calls you're receiving claim to be from Medicare, it's a spam call.
Can you sue the CMS?
You can make a complaint if you're unhappy with the service you've had from the Child Maintenance Service (CMS). If you're unhappy with a decision they've made, you should ask for a review. Find out how to ask for a review if you're getting child maintenance.Oct 27, 2020
What is CMS complaint?
The Complaint Management System (CMS) is a software application to facilitate RBI's grievance redressal process. Customers can lodge complaints against any regulated entity with public interface such as commercial banks, urban cooperative banks, Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs).Jun 24, 2019
What is a CMS grievance?
A grievance is an expression of dissatisfaction (other than an organization determination) with any aspect of the operations, activities, or behavior of a Medicare health plan, or its providers, regardless of whether remedial action is requested.Dec 1, 2021
How to deal with Medicare scams?
The most common Medicare scams include: 1. You need to pay for your new card .
What do criminals call you about Medicare?
The criminal may call you claiming that you need to verify your Social Security, bank, or credit card information before they can send your new Medicare card. They may also ask you to verify your address. 5. Your new card was lost or compromised in some way.
What do you call a medicare representative?
Medicare rarely calls beneficiaries, and never calls to ask for your banking, credit card, or Social Security information. Anyone who calls you claiming to be from Medicare and asking for this information is a criminal. If you’re worried that there is legitimately an issue that needs your attention, hang up the phone. Then, call 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227). That way, you know for sure you’re speaking to a Medicare representative. He or she can give you the assistance you need.
What to do if someone calls you for your medical card number?
Whether it’s the new card or your old one, protect it. If someone calls you and asks for your card number, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE. When you get your new card, shred the old one, making sure to destroy the number.
How to contact Social Security if you are not sure your information is correct?
If you aren’t sure yours is correct, contact Social Security at 800-772-1213 or update – or create – your Social Security account. 7. Review Your Medicare Statements. One of the things these criminals use your information for is billing Medicare for fake services.
How to protect yourself from stealing your information?
One of the best ways to protect yourself against criminals looking to steal your information is to know what Medicare will and won’t do, and how to protect your information. 1. You don’t have to do anything to get the new Medicare card. These cards are automatically being sent to every beneficiary.
Can a criminal steal my Medicare number?
The main difference now is that, in addition to the above three, criminals may also attempt to steal your Medicare number. Previously, of course, this number was the same as your Social Security Number. These callers are often extremely aggressive. They may call repeatedly or at odd times of the day or night.
How to contact Medicare if your information has been compromised?
If you believe your personal information has been compromised, you can also reach out to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).
How much was recovered from healthcare fraud in 2019?
Healthcare fraud is more common than you realize. In fiscal year 2019 alone, the federal government recovered $2.6 billion in healthcare fraud and false claims. 1 Keep in mind that number only reflects the cases that were actually caught. Odds are there was more loss that went undetected.
When is open enrollment for Medicare?
Medical Open Enrollment season runs from October 15 to December 7. During this time, seniors are inundated with mail about different Medicare plans. Some of that information may be valid, others may represent false advertising. It is important to separate fact from fiction.
Can you change your Medicare plan?
Claims that a representative must come to your home to finalize your plan. To be clear, you can only change Medicare plans during certain enrollment periods. Part B premiums are fixed based on your income. Unless you qualify for a Medicare Savings Plan through Medicare, your Part B premium will not be decreased.
Does Medicare cover genetic testing?
For the record, you never need to activate or renew your Medicare card, there are no approved treatments for COVID-19, and Medicare rarely covers genetic testing. Also, some medical supply companies may offer "high-quality" products like braces but go on to deliver inexpensive low-quality versions.
Does Medicare call unsolicited?
Medicare is not going to call you unsolicited. If for some reason more information is needed to process your Medicare application, the Social Security Administration will first reach out to you with an official letter to schedule a phone interview.
Can a scammer sell your information?
Scammers could even sell your personal information on the dark web and try to access your financial records. It is important to recognize these scams when they happen and to report them to prevent this kind of abuse. 10'000 Hours / Getty Images.
The Societal Impact of Medicare Fraud
Sure, it may not seem like this is a huge problem, especially with only 15 total Strike Force cases in the news through half of 2018, but it’s important to realize that many of these investigations involve millions upon millions of dollars. Furthermore, this is money that has essentially been stolen from the U.S.
Individual Effects of Medicare Fraud
For starters, it’s simply maddening to think that individuals who commit these types of offenses are bringing in much more than the typical, hard-working family earns just to survive. For instance, Money reports that the median real income is $54,635 for households in Michigan and $57,259 for a household in Ohio.
Medicare Fraud: Protecting Yourself Begins by Protecting Your Card
According to Medicare.gov, you should always “treat your Medicare card like it’s a credit card.” In other words, don’t give the number out to just anybody, because there’s a chance it could be used to open up a fraudulent claim.
Even More Ways to Prevent Medicare Fraud
There are other things you can do to avoid being a victim of Medicare fraud.
What to do if You Are a Medicare Fraud Victim
If you believe that you are a victim of Medicare fraud or if you have unequivocal proof, the first thing you want to do is report it to the authorities. Medicare.gov shares that there are three ways to do this:
What do scammers want from Medicare?
What the scammers really want, of course, is to get personal or financial information for the purposes of identity theft or outright theft. To thwart a Medicare card scam, follow some basic precautions.
What does "800-633-4227" mean?
You receive an unexpected call from someone claiming to work for Medicare. Actual employees will never call you without being invited to do so — for example, if you left a message at Medicare’s customer service line (800-633-4227). The caller claims you need to pay a fee to get a new or upgraded Medicare card,
Can you share your Social Security number?
Don’t share your Medicare or Social Security number (or other personal information) with anyone who contacts you out of the blue by phone, text or email or shows up unannounced at your door.
What to do if you are scammed?
What To Do if You Were Scammed. Find out what to do if you paid someone you think is a scammer, gave them some personal information , or if they have access to your phone or computer. If You Paid a Scammer. If You Gave a Scammer Your Personal Information. If a Scammer Has Access to Your Computer or Phone. Report a Scam to the FTC.
What to do if you give a scammer your information?
If You Gave a Scammer Your Personal Information. If a Scammer Has Access to Your Computer or Phone. Report a Scam to the FTC. Scammers can be very convincing. They call, email, and send us text messages trying to get our money or our sensitive personal information — like our Social Security number or account numbers.
How to take back control of your phone number?
Contact your service provider to take back control of your phone number. Once you do, change your account password. Also check your credit card, bank, and other financial accounts for unauthorized charges or changes. If you see any, report them to the company or institution.
Where to report a scam?
If you were scammed, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
What to do if you send money through a money transfer app?
Did you send money through a money transfer app? Report the fraudulent transaction to the company behind the money transfer app and ask if they can reverse the payment. If you linked the app to a credit card or debit card, report the fraud to your credit card company or bank. Ask if they can reverse the charge.
Phone SCAMS
If you want to protect yourself and your family, here’s where you can learn about some common Medicare phone scams and what to do if you’re contacted.
Mail Scams
You can get counterfeit sales materials, offers for discounted prescription drug plans, or bills from an unknown doctor, medical supplier, or hospital in the mail. Many people will pay the bills.
Free Genetic Testing
This scam involves free cheek swabs or free genetic testing. The premise is that you’ll get checked to see if you might have a genetic disposition to get cancer or other illnesses. They’ll say that Medicare covers it and they need your Medicare card or other information to file the claim for you.
Door Knockers
Medicare doesn’t ever call or come to your home uninvited to sell products or services. If someone knocks on your door to talk to you about Medicare, politely refuse to open the door.
Free Medical Supplies
This is where someone calls and pretends to offer durable medical equipment, They might offer to get you a medical checkup at no cost to you because “Medicare will cover it.”
Medical ID theft
Someone could use your personal information to submit fraudulent claims for Medicare and other health insurers without your consent.
Avoiding the Medicare SCAMS
We asked John Marsano, CEO & President at Inheritance Advanced about how to avoid these SCAMS. He said that “The best thing to do in these situations is to be aware of red flags and keep yourself informed of Medicare policies. No agency will ever send their representatives to your home for any service offerings.
What to do if you find a discrepancy in Medicare?
If you find a discrepancy, call your doctor’s office first to rule out an innocent error.
What happens when someone steals your medical information?
Medical identity theft happens directly to you when someone steals your personal information, especially a Medicare number, to get devices, treatment or medicine, and submits fraudulent claims under your name.
Is a scooter a scam?
Scooters, back braces and other devices that are offered at “no cost to you” are in many cases scams to defraud Medicare and give you an inferior product, if you get it at all. Under the federal False Claims Act, if you are part of a false claim operation — known to you or not — you may be liable.
How to report a fraudulent call to Medicare?
How to Report a Medicare Call. You can report a fraudulent call from someone claiming they worked for Medicare by going to the FTC Complaint Assistant. You can help protect yourself from fraudulent activities by never offering credit card or personal information to anyone.
What to do if you think Medicare is calling you?
If you think the call is from Medicare, hang up and call them back at the national number. Then, if it was one of them, they can help you. However, if Medicare isn’t attempting to reach you, then you avoid a spammer trying to steal your information. Telemarketing calls attempt to commit fraud and theft.
How to protect yourself from robocalls?
If this is your case, you might consider downloading an application to your cell phone that can help safeguard you from robocalls. When a robocall strikes your phone, be sure to never speak to them. By responding, you’re telling the spammers that your phone number is active. Immediately file a complaint with the FTC.
How long after you register for Do Not Call list can you get spam calls?
Also, register both your cell phone and home phone to put an end to the calls. If you find you’re still getting spam calls 31 days after you register with the Do Not Call list, file a complaint. If you have a smartphone, you can install a call blocker.
What is the phone number for the Federal Trade Commission?
To register, call from the phone which you want on the Do Not Call list. The phone number is 1-888-382-1222.
Do not call Medicare?
If you’re getting too many spam phone calls, you might want to get on the Federal Trade Commission’s Do Not Call list. Medicare beneficiaries are likely to receive phone calls once they become eligible for Medicare.
Is a robocall the same as a doctor's appointment?
Not all robocalls are the same. Often, doctors’ offices will use a robocall to remind you of a doctor’s appointment. Keep this in mind when listening to a robocall. Not all robocalls are harmful, but about 40% of them are spam, and that’s why making reports is essential.
How do Medicare phone scams work?
Across the country, seniors may receive calls from scam operators who claim to represent Medicare or a different insurance provider. They usually claim that the senior’s Medicare card has expired, prompting the release of personal information like name, address, Medicare number, or Social Security number.
Should I give my Medicare number over the phone?
Because many Medicare recipients have received new Medicare cards since 2018, scam calls encouraging the “activation” of these cards are on the rise. You do not need to activate a Medicare card, update your information, or pay any kind of fee to use your new card once you receive it.
What can a scammer do with my Medicare number?
To help prevent against identity theft, Medicare has issued new cards to recipients that have your Medicare number instead of your Social Security number on the back.
Conclusion
It can be a scary world out there, but the best offense is a great defense. That’s why it’s so important to stay up to date on all things Medicare — you never know when it could save you big!