If your Medicare number ends up in the wrong hands, you may have to deal with fraudulent charges or medical identity theft. Luckily, there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself.
Your Medicare number is the key to your health coverage. If stolen, you could be dealing with fraudulent charges or medical identity theft. Even if you avoid a scam, ongoing Medicare fraud is costly. It could mean higher deductibles, bigger co-payments and cuts to services and care.
There are simple steps you can take to recognize and report Medicare fraud. By catching fraudulent activity early, you can protect yourself and help all Medicare payees.
To recognize suspicious activity, it’s important to know when Medicare communicates with its members. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicare plans may only contact enrollees to discuss plan types or benefits. Be wary of unusual contact or any requests for your Medicare number.
Your Medicare number is like your Social Security or credit card numbers. You are at risk for a Medicare scam or identity theft if it gets into the wrong hands. But unlike credit cards, your Medicare card offers no consumer protection. Be cautious of sharing your Medicare card or number with anyone. Exceptions include your doctor, or other Medicare providers and family members you trust.
Call Medicare if you think you’re the victim of a Medicare scam.
Remember that your Medicare number also appears on your medical statements. Do not share these documents with anyone. When disposing of old statements, shred the paperwork.
Keep a thorough record of all medical visits, receipts, and prescriptions. Mark your doctors’ appointments on a calendar to review service dates with your insurance statements. After a physician visit, examine the receipt immediately for mistakes. If you don’t understand a charge, ask your provider’s office to explain.
No matter which Medicare plan you have, you’ll receive regular statements outlining the services used. If you have Original Medicare, a Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) comes every three months by mail. Or every month by email (if you choose to receive MSNs electronically). For Medicare Advantage plans, the statement frequency varies by plan.
Compare your MSN or statement and any processed claims to your calendar and receipts. Verify the dates of service, the providers seen and the amount charged. If you suspect Medicare fraud, promptly contact Medicare or your insurance company.
Report right away if you suspect fraudulent activity with your Medicare coverage. If you have Original Medicare, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227). (TTY call 1-877-486-2048). 24 hours a day/7 day a week. For fraud related to a Medicare Advantage or Supplemental plan, call the Medicare Drug Integrity Contractor at 877-772-3379. Before making the call, be sure to have:
To learn more about Medicare coverage, schedule a personal consultationwith a Highmark insurance agent or call 844-249-1837 (TTY users call 711)8 a.m. - 8 p.m. (ET), Monday to Friday; 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (ET), Saturday.
If your Medicare number ends up in the wrong hands, you may have to deal with fraudulent charges or medical identity theft. Luckily, there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself.
If your Medicare number ends up in the wrong hands, you may have to deal with fraudulent charges or medical identity theft. Luckily, there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself.
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