How to Prevent Medicare Fraud

Fraudulent Medicare claims shouldn't be ignored, and it's important that everyone learn how to protect themselves from unscrupulous medical billing practices and report their suspicions to the proper authorities. Everyone should play their part to prevent Medicare fraud by keeping on top of medical claims submitted on their behalf and to always keep accurate records, so that the Medicare system can combat fraudulent claims and keep health care costs down.

Things You'll Need

• Medicare card
• Medicare statements
• Credit report

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Instructions

• 1

  Avoid telling or showing anyone your Medicare health insurance claim number, except for your doctors or other reputable Medicare providers. Keep your Medicare card safe and treat it like you would your credit cards. Under no circumstances should you allow anyone to borrow your Medicare card. Also, don't allow anyone not associated with your ongoing medical care to look at your medical records. They may want to recommend medical services that you don't need.

• 2

  Check your Medicare statement when it comes in the mail. Look closely to see if there are any claims listed for medical services or equipment you didn't get, or if any service was billed twice. Keep an accurate file of your medical records and bills and check them against the dates and codes on the statement to be certain they match.

• 3

  Shy away from signing blank Medicare or medical billing forms, even if they're being given to you in your doctor's office or at the hospital. Be sure that all forms are filled in accurately and that you've read and understand them completely before signing on the dotted line.

• 4

  Stay away from providers who tell you that a medical service isn't covered by Medicare but that they know how to persuade Medicare to pay for it. This is a sign of fraud and you should decline the service without question.

• 5

  Refrain from accepting gifts or payments from medical providers who tell you to go to certain clinics or other medical offices for more tests or additional services. They may have business relationships with the people in those offices who may actually be running fraudulent Medicare billing scams. Also, be aware of medical providers who tell you that the more tests you get, the cheaper they are and that Medicare will pay for them.

• 6

  Hang up on anyone who calls you to conduct a health survey and, in turn, asks for your Medicare number. Don't give your personal information to anyone over the phone if you don't know who they are, as they may only be asking for it to steal your money.