Healthcare fraud is on the rise and one common type is Medicare identity theft. Scammers gain access to your Medicare information and use it for fraudulent claims, obtaining medical equipment, or filling prescriptions. There are several things you need to be aware of to protect yourself from Medicare identify theft.
First, you need to know how the scammers obtain this information. This could be through a data breach, healthcare worker fraud or a scammer contacting you and getting the information directly. There are some ways you can protect yourself from being a victim of fraud. Never give out your Medicare number to someone who calls you on the phone claiming to be from a carrier or Medicare. The scammers often create a sense of urgency and pressure you into giving out your information or they will make promises of money cards or extra benefits that you could be receiving. If you receive a call and you think there is an issue with your Medicare plan, hang up the phone and call the carrier directly on the number on the back of your card.
If you suspect that your Medicare number may have been compromised here are some things to look out for: inaccuracies on your Explanation of Benefits, if you reached your limit of benefits quickly, if you are denied a supplement plan due to an illness that you do not have, or if there are medications filled on your plan that you do not take.
Once you suspect there has been a breach of your information, call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 to notify them immediately that there is an issue. They will flag your current Medicare number and you can request a new number. Also contact your doctor’s offices, insurance carriers, and pharmacists to make them aware that your information was stolen and that you are being issued a new Medicare number.
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