There are many common scams regarding Medicare programs, and it can be hard to decipher what is real and what is misleading. It is essential to be aware of the various scams circling around and know how to combat them, especially if you or a loved one needs medical care. Medicare, the federal healthcare program for those ages 65+ or those under 65 with specific medical needs, is known for having fraud occur often within the program. An individual or a company can commit fraud and claim inappropriate and wrong payment from the program.
Many types of fraud are commonly used, and being aware of them is the first step in keeping you and your healthcare payments safe and secure from scammers. Some common scams are fraudulent billing for services never received, claiming free medical equipment to hack into a person’s information, calls from fake Medicare providers, and much more. If you are in one of these vulnerable positions when a scammer is trying to take your information or money, there are ways to protect yourself against their tactics.
It is essential to know how to keep your or a loved one’s private information safe, especially if they are on Medicare and older when they are more susceptible to scams. Studies have reported that older people are more vulnerable to online scams, and in 2023, those over 60 in the US have reportedly lost over $3 billion in scam incidents. In these cases, it is important never to share your Medicare number, social security number, or any card information with an unknown number. If you answer a call, it is essential to be aware of the common manipulation tactics used to gain information and know the red flags of the scammer. It is also necessary to be mindful of your Medicare plan and monitor things to ensure they are correct. Finally, the most important thing to know is to call the Medicare number only when you have any issues or concerns at (800) MEDICARE. A Medicare fraud attempt is a criminal and federal crime, so it is essential to know how to react if one is in that situation.
Contact A Nursing Home Abuse Attorney in Scranton, PA
If you or a loved one are targeted, we at DLP can help you fight your case. If you know of someone who has been neglected or injured while a resident of a nursing home or long-term care facility, have them contact the lawyers at DLP who have been representing nursing home abuse victims for over forty years. We at DLP Law Firm can protect you against nursing home-related issues. Remember— Injury? Call DLP! (570) C-A-L-L-D-L-P.
Links:
- https://www.ncoa.org/article/what-are-the-top-online-scams-targeting-older-adults/
- https://www.ncoa.org/article/5-warning-signs-of-a-medicare-scam-and-how-to-protect-yourself/
- https://fourthcapital.com/educational-article/medicare_scam_awareness/
- https://states.aarp.org/ohio/3-trending-medicare-scams-in-2024
