Medicare fraud prevention: What’s on your statement?

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Some people with Medicare are getting unordered COVID tests in the mail — lots of tests — and Medicare is getting the bill. Others don’t get tests but find charges for tests on their Medicare statements. People report that they don’t remember agreeing to orders or recognize the names of the companies that charge them. Frauds like this, along with mistakes and abuse, cost Medicare an estimated $60 billion each year and steal people’s time and energy. During Medicare Fraud Prevention Week, we’re joining the Senior Medicare Patrol Program in looking for ways to help prevent fraud, errors, and abuse. If you have Medicare, here are some things to consider.

• Don’t give anyone your Medicare number over the phone. Protect it just like you protect your credit card number. Callers who offer “free supplies,” “no-cost” lab tests, or say you need a replacement Medicare card are scammers trying to get your Medicare number. Don’t give them any information. Remember: the real Medicare will never ask for your number. They already have it!
• Read your Medicare Summary Notices (MSN) and Explanations of Benefits (EOB), either on paper or at Medicare.gov. When you read each statement, look for services, products, or equipment Medicare paid for, but you didn’t get. Do the statements show any double charges, or things you or your doctor didn’t ask for?
• If you suspect Medicare fraud, call your health care provider or plan and ask for an explanation. If you aren’t satisfied with their response, call your local Senior Medicare Patrol to find out where to make a complaint. Or call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE. If you got COVID tests you didn’t order, tell the Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General online or at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477).

If you spot other scams, fraud, or bad business practices, please tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

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