The Senior Medicare Patrol Program educates and empowers people receiving Medicare to protect, detect and report health care fraud. To find out more about the SMP Stop Health Care Fraud campaign click here.
To Avoid Identity Theft
Identity theft happens when someone uses your personal information without your consent to commit fraud or other crimes. Personal information includes things like your name, Social Security, Medicare, or credit card numbers.
Keep this information safe. Don’t give your information out over the internet, or to anyone who comes to your home (or calls you) uninvited. Only give personal information to doctors or other providers approved by Medicare.
If you are not sure a provider is approved by Medicare contact the following:
1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
1-877-486-2048 (TTY users)
Has anyone approached you in a public area and offered FREE services, groceries, or other items in exchange for your Medicare number? JUST WALK AWAY! Has someone called you for a "health survey," then asked you to provide your Medicare number over the phone? SIMPLY HANG UP THE PHONE! Have you found suspicious charges such as high-priced medical services or diagnostic tests on your medical bills? These could be fraudulent charges. Call 1-800-MEDICARE AND REPORT IT! Have doctors, health care providers, or suppliers told you that the equipment or service is free, it won't cost you anything, and they only need your Medicare number for their records? JUST SAY NO THANKS! Guard your Medicare and Social Security Numbers. Report Fraud to the Office of the Inspector General. 1-800-HHS-TIPS
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Prevent Fraud
Protect Your Personal Information
Guard your Medicare and Social Security Numbers. Treat them like you would treat your credit cards.
Be suspicious of anyone who offers you free medical equipment or services and then requests your Medicare number. If it’s free, they do not need your number!
Do not let anyone borrow or pay to use your Medicare ID card or your identity. It’s illegal, and it’s not worth it!
If your Medicare card is lost or stolen, report it right away. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) for a replacement. If you get benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board, call 1 877 772 5772, or visit www.rrb.gov.
Check Your Medical Bills, Medicare Summary Notices, Explanation of Benefits, and Credit Reports
- Get help reading your Medicare Summary Notice.
- Get a free credit report each year by calling 1-877-322-8228
Be suspicious of doctors, health care providers, or suppliers that do anything on this list:
- Equipment or service is offered free and you are then asked for your Medicare number for “record keeping purposes”.
- Medicare wants you to have the item or service in exchange for your Medicare number.
- Tell you how to get Medicare to pay for the item or service and all that is needed is your Medicare number.
- You are told the more tests provided, the cheaper the tests become in the future.
- Don’t charge copayments without checking on your ability to pay.
- Advertise “free” consultations to people with Medicare.
- Call or visit you and say they represent Medicare or the Federal government.
- Use telephone or door-to-door selling techniques.
- Use pressure or scare tactics to sell you expensive medical services or diagnostic tests.
- Bill Medicare for services you never received or a diagnosis you do not have.
- Offer non-medical transportation or housekeeping as Medicare-approved services.
- Bill home health services for patients who are not confined to their home, or for patients who still drive a car.
- Bill Medicare for medical equipment for people in nursing homes.
- Bill Medicare for tests you received as a hospital inpatient or within 72 hours of admission or discharge.
- Bill Medicare for a power wheelchair or scooter when you don’t meet Medicare’s qualifications.