A Google search of "Medicare Fraud" and "2006" produces nearly a
quarter million "hits." Remember, the Medicare program is just one
avenue of healthcare coverage, so that many articles in a single
year is indicative of the overwhelming nature of this problem and
the effect it has on our national economy.
Sometimes regular people commit the frauds, however it is far more
often that it is the crime of choice for dishonest doctors, medical
equipment providers, pharmaceutical providers or even hospitals.
The most important thing for consumers to be aware of is that your
Medicare information and numbers are just as easily abused, probably
even more so, than a credit card number. When you use a credit card,
most stores ask for identification or require an identifying pin
number. When you use a Medicare card/numbers, nobody is at the other
end of the transaction looking at your photo ID. They are simply
billing the government program, and the checks and balances
guaranteeing the integrity of the transaction are, for the most
part, missing.
Medicare is funded via taxation. YOU pay taxes. YOU fund Medicare.
So...YOU are paying for fraud. More than $200 BILLION a year is lost
in healthcare scams.
Treat your Medicare information as if it was private credit
information. Because it is.
Report abuses of the system.
Review all doctor and hospital bills thoroughly.
Count the number of pills you are given. Is it correct?
Do not EVER give a telemarketer your Medicare numbers.
Don't accept "FREE" health examinations or other services, if you
have to give someone your Medicare information to get those free
services.
Don't accept "FREE" items (scooters, medical supplies, etc.), unless
the arrangements are made by your medical doctor.
Report suspected fraud or abuse!
If you think you see Medicare fraud or abuse on your Medicare
Summary Notice (MSN), follow these steps.