Each year, Medicare estimates that it loses $60 billion due to fraud, errors, and abuse. The Vermont Senior Medicare Patrol and the Community of Vermont Elders (COVE) partner with Community Health to help prevent, detect, and report Medicare fraud.
How to prevent Medicare fraud
Protecting personal information is the best defense.
- Never give Medicare numbers to a stranger
- Treat your Medicare information like you would a credit card
- Don’t carry your card with you unless you are going to a medical appointment
- Keep a record of your visits
- Review your Medicare notices and explanation of benefits
Remember that Medicare won’t call and ask for your Medicare numbers.
Be aware of billing errors
Check for mistakes on your Medicare notices and explanation of benefits:
- Services and charges you didn’t receive
- Double billing of services
- Services not ordered by your doctor
What are some healthcare fraud schemes?
There are a few common healthcare fraud schemes to be aware of:
You are asked to provide your Medicare number, credit card or bank information, or personal information for:
- Offers of free services or medical supplies
- Someone calling to verify your Medicare eligibility
- An offer for a year’s supply of prescription drugs for a set fee
You and Medicare are billed for services not provided:
- A doctor’s office bills for treatment or product you didn’t receive
- A pharmacy dispenses prescriptions a few pills short but bills for the full amount
How can I protect myself against healthcare fraud?
- Don’t give out any personal information.
- Report suspicious phone calls.
- Call Community Health Financial Services if you have questions or concerns about Medicare statements or billing.
If you have any questions, or suspect fraud, call Vermont Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) at 888-865-2683. This federally funded program empowers and assists Medicare beneficiaries, their families and caregivers to prevent, detect, and report healthcare fraud, errors, and abuse.