How are Medicare beneficiaries being targeted by fraud?

Beneficiaries are being billed for genetic tests and medical equipment they did not order, with fraudulent claims impacting their coverage and potentially leaving them with out-of-pocket expenses.

What happens when fraudulent Medicare claims are paid?

When supplemental insurance pays fraudulent claims, those amounts count against the beneficiary's annual coverage totals, potentially reducing coverage for legitimate medical needs.

How can Medicare recipients protect themselves from fraud?

Recipients should guard their Medicare numbers like credit card numbers, never share personal information with unsolicited callers, review statements quarterly for errors, and report suspected fraud immediately.

Home / Crime and Justice / Medicare Fraud: Retirees Billed for Unordered Tests, Braces

Medicare Fraud: Retirees Billed for Unordered Tests, Braces

22 Mar

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Summary

Retirees received bills for unsolicited genetic tests and medical equipment.
Fraudulent claims depleted annual coverage, risking legitimate care.
One suspect faces federal indictment for nationwide Medicare fraud.

Medicare Fraud: Retirees Billed for Unordered Tests, Braces

Medicare beneficiaries are increasingly targeted by sophisticated fraud schemes. Retirees in Tennessee, for instance, have been billed for genetic testing and medical braces they never requested, leading to unexpected costs and depletion of their insurance coverage.

One couple discovered identical fraudulent charges on their Explanation of Benefits from different labs, with one suspect now federally indicted. This individual's company allegedly billed over 221,000 Medicare recipients nationwide, seeking billions in fraudulent payments.

Data breaches may be a source of stolen Medicare information, which criminals exploit. Authorities advise beneficiaries to guard their Medicare numbers rigorously, akin to credit card protection, and to scrutinize all statements quarterly for discrepancies or unrecognized services.

Prompt reporting is crucial if fraud is suspected. Medicare beneficiaries can contact 1-800-MEDICARE or the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General to report suspicious activities and protect their identity and benefits.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.