Medicare and Medicaid services were created to help the elderly and or those with disabilities or certain other medical conditions be able to better afford medical coverage in order to pay for supplies, medical care, treatments, doctor’s visits and much more. This all seems like a good idea if it works the way it should and benefits those it is suppose to. Unfortunately though, there have been more and more cases of Medicare and Medicaid fraud and people are getting sneaky about how they get around the rules. Billing Medicare for services that were not received or provided can cost taxpayers millions of dollars each year and it also hurts those people that really need the medical care and services by causing them to pay more. To help avoid being a victim of Medicare Fraud use the following helpful detection tips. These tips include:
- Be suspicious if a test is free and if a provider only needs your Medicare information for their records.
- Be aware if Medicare wants you to have a certain item or service.
- Be cautious if the provider knows how to get Medicare to pay for an item or service
- Be on the look out for provider that offer many tests at cheaper or discounted prices
- Be careful if the equipment or service is free or you are offered a gift for the service
It is also important to know what services and equipment or medical supplies you are entitled to and report or question anything that seems out of the ordinary. As a general rule do not give out your Medicare health insurance claim number expect to your doctor or Medicare provider.
It is unfortunate that many people will try to scam those in need out of services and medical supplies for their own personal gain. It is good to know though that you can do something to help stop cases of fraud.
For additional information on Medicare fraud and prevention, you may visit:
http://www.medicare.gov/Fraudabuse/Tips.asp
If you or a loved one feel you have been a victim of Medicare fraud, please contact a whistleblower attorney right away. They can help your case to be heard and make sure you get the care you deserve.