How to Prevent Medicare Fraud and Protect Your Benefits

Medicare loses an estimated $60 billion every year due to fraud, errors, and abuse. These issues impact beneficiaries across the country, leading to potential identity theft, financial losses, and disruptions in medical care. Understanding how to prevent, detect, and report Medicare fraud can help safeguard your benefits and protect the integrity of the healthcare system.

What is Medicare Fraud?

Medicare fraud occurs when someone intentionally misrepresents information to receive unauthorized payments from Medicare. Common examples include:

• Billing for services or medical supplies that were never provided
• Falsifying a diagnosis or identity to obtain benefits
• Prescribing unnecessary tests or treatments
• Charging out-of-pocket fees for services covered by Medicare

Fraudulent activities not only drain healthcare resources but can also lead to increased costs for beneficiaries.

How to Prevent Medicare Fraud

You can take simple steps to safeguard your personal information and Medicare benefits. Follow these essential tips:

• Protect Your Personal Information: Only share your Medicare or Social Security number with trusted individuals and organizations.
• Carry Your Medicare Card Only When Necessary: Keeping your card secure reduces the risk of identity theft.
• Monitor Your Medical Visits and Bills: Keep a record of all medical visits, procedures, and treatments.
• Review Medicare Statements Regularly: Look for mistakes such as charges for services you didn’t receive or duplicate billing.
• Report Suspicious Activity: If you notice anything unusual, contact your healthcare provider, Medicare, or SMP Hawaii for assistance.

How SMP Hawaii Can Help

The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Hawaii is a national program dedicated to educating and assisting Medicare beneficiaries. With trained team members available to answer your questions, SMP Hawaii provides confidential support and can refer fraud cases to the appropriate state and federal agencies.

If you suspect Medicare fraud, don’t hesitate to take action. Protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community from healthcare fraud.

For more information, visit SMP Hawaii or call 1-800-296-9422.