Medicare & Elder Fraud Information & Resources

Medicare and Elder Fraud are on the rise throughout the country.  With over $3.4 billion in losses reported from individuals age 60 and over, the following are some tips and information to help prevent you from falling victim to fraud as well as important resources and who to contact if you do.

Medicare & Medicaid Fraud
Billions of Dollars are lost each year to Medicare & Medicaid fraud and those over age 75 are targeted most. Tips to avoid this type of fraud include:

  • Do not give your Medicare number or any personal information to anyone but your doctor or other provider - especially over the phone.
  • Do not respond to offers for free medical equipment or services.
  • Check your medical statements routinely for services not provided.
  • Do not carry your Medicare card unless you need it - protect it like a social security card.
Image of Medicare Fraud written on paper with a stethoscope

Romance & Tech Fraud
These are the two most common forms of Elder Fraud.  Beware of the signs:

Romance Scams target seniors on an emotional level through social media platforms or dating websites, building a false sense of trust and connection. They pretend to be someone they are not.  Be skeptical of anyone who:

  • Won't meet you in person.
  • Encourages you to communicate outside of an online dating site.
  • Gives excuses why they can't meet or why they need financial help.
  • Asks for gift cards, money, open bank accounts, or other items of value.
Medicare Fraud Woman with Credit Card

Tech Fraud Scams target seniors with unsolicited offers to fix a problem with your computer or software. They use familiar, legitimate names like McAfee, Norton or Microsoft but use scary or high-pressure language to get you to act fast. Be skeptical of anyone who:

  • Wants remote access to your computer.
  • Says they overpaid you during a rebate and then asks for a refund.
  • Asks you to send them money in the form of gift cards, cash, wire transfers, and virtual currency such as bitcoin.
  • Calls you frequently to pressure you into sending money fast
  • Legitimate tech support will NEVER contact you first to fix an issue

3 Easy Steps to Protect Yourself & Your Loved Ones from Healthcare Fraud

STEP 1 - PROTECT
Be cautious: monitor your Medicare and health information, guard your Medicare numbers and personal information.

  • Treat your Medicare card and number like your credit card
  • DO NOT give out your Medicare number except to your doctor or Medicare provider
  • DO NOT carry your Medicare card unless you need it.
  • Be aware that Medicare doesn't call or visit to sell you anything. Be cautious of offers for free medical services
Woman with Elder Mother

STEP 2 - DETECT
Keep a record of health care visits and services received and compare them to your Medicare Summary Notices and Explanation of Benefits.

STEP 3 - REPORT
Call your provider with questions, gather information and documentation and then call:

Medicare Fraud - Shut It Down - Click to watch video

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