Did You Know?… Identity Theft & Fraud

IDENTITY THEFT

Identity theft happens when someone uses your personal without your consent to commit fraud or other crimes. Personal information includes things like your name & your social security, Medicare credit card, or bank account numbers. Guard your card. Protect your Medicare number. Keep this information safe. Only give personal information, like your Medicare number, to doctors, other health care providers, and plans approved by Medicare…

FRAUD

Most doctors, pharmacists, plans and other health care providers who work with Medicare are honest. Unfortunately, there may be some who are dishonest. Medicare fraud happens when Medicare is billed for services or supplies you never got. Medicare fraud costs Medicare a lot of money each year – approximately $68.3 billion in improper payments in 2010. If you’ve contacted the provider and you suspect that Medicare (or your plan) is being charged for a service or supply that you didn’t get, or you don’t know the provider on the claim, call 1-800-MEDICARE or your plan.

PLANS MUST FOLLOW RULES

Medicare plans must follow certain rules when marketing their plans and getting your enrollment information. They can’t ask you for credit card or banking information over the phone or via email, unless you’re already a member of that plan. Medicare plans can’t enroll you over the phone unless you call them and ask to enroll.

FIGHTING FRAUD CAN PAY