Medicare Fraud Prevention Week
As of April 2024, about 67.3 million Americans receive at least part of their health insurance coverage through Medicare. Nearly 90% of Medicare beneficiaries are over the age of 65 and rely on Medicare to help subsidize the cost of their doctors’ appointments, prescriptions, and more (Forbes). Yet, according to data from the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP): “Medicare loses an estimated $60 billion each year due to fraud, errors, and abuse.” To draw attention to how easily Medicare fraud can occur, June 1 – 5 is recognized as Medicare Fraud Prevention Week to generate awareness, educate about common examples of Medicare fraud, and what to do if you notice it may be occurring.
Medicare fraud most often occurs when:
- You were charged for a service you did not receive.
- A doctor you do not know reaches out to enroll you in a service or to get a test that your treating physician did not order.
- You are billed directly for a service by the medical provider or company, rather than through Medicare.
- Someone asks for your Medicare number so you can receive “free” services or at a resource fair or community event to “check in.”
This Medicare Fraud Prevention Week, learn how to prevent, detect, and report Medicare fraud for yourself and your loved ones.
- Prevent Medicare fraud by not answering calls from unknown numbers, learning about circulating scams, and by downloading the SMP mobile app: SMP Medicare Tracker.
- Detect Medicare Fraud by learning how to properly read your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) to spot red flags and create a medicare.gov account to review claims.
- Report potential Medicare fraud, such as mysterious items on your MSN or giving out your Medicare number to a suspicious individual or entity, by calling +1 (877) 808-2468 to be connected to your local Senior Medicare Patrol.
If you want more information on resources for scams or more help understanding your Medicare options, call (408) 350-3200, option 1 to be connected to a Community Resource Specialist.