Hello Toni:
I am a 72 year old female who lives alone and yesterday, a representative from Medicare called me asking all types of personal questions. I told them, I did not give personal information over the phone. I’m concerned this could be a scam, but then if it was Medicare, I’m concerned I could have made a mistake. Can you please advise me what I should do or where I could call to see if Medicare is trying to contact me? Thanks in advance…Nora a long time Houston follower
Don’t Worry Nora:
You can relax because you were correct not to give your personal information over the phone due to the fact that Medicare or even Social Security does not randomly call your home or office and ask for your personal information. Medicare already has all of the information they need about you. Medicare or Social Security will never call you!! They generally will send you a letter to let you know you need to contact them.
When someone calls, just as this person did, it is considered Medicare fraud. There is a new organization called Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program that helps people on Medicare learn how to detect Medicare fraud and abuse. To report Medicare Fraud or Abuse call the local SMP Houston office at 713/341-6184 or toll free 1/888-341-6187.
Recently the FBI has arrested 89 people nationwide and even in Houston, TX of over $223 million in false Medicare billings. This was the sixth major takedown in four years by HEAT (Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Action Team).
Here are a few tips to help protect you against Medicare fraud:
- Look over your Medicare Summary Notices MSM which comes to you quarterly and be sure you received that care. If something does not look right, such as you did not receive care or maybe you never went to that doctor or medical facility that is in the summary, notify your local SMP office. Let them know this bill looks a
little “fishy”. - Do not carry your Medicare card with you. Keep it in a safe place.
- Never give your Medicare or Social Security number to strangers, especially those who call you on the phone or come to your door. Just like you tell your grandkids not to talk to stranger, you need not talk to them either. Play the Stranger Danger game.
- Do NOT accept “free” offers in exchange for your Medicare number. Remember, there is nothing “free”. They will have Medicare pay for whatever they are offering and they will use your Medicare number to get it paid for!!
- When someone calls and says they represent Medicare get their name and phone number, then HANG UP!!! And call the Texas SMP office at 713/341-6184 or 1/888-341-6187.
The only way to stop Medicare fraud is to let your friends know what I have just told you. We need to stand together and stop those who only want to make a “fast dollar” from Medicare.
**I have been invited to participate in a panel discussion about small businesses and healthcare reform. Westchase Biz Zone is sponsoring a healthcare reform workshop for small businesses at West Houston Medical Center on Tuesday, June 11th from 9:30 AM to 12:30 pm. Small business owners nearing retirement or Medicare eligible should attend. $10 advance reservations only. Seating is limited. For more information, contact Theresa Allen at 832-495-9934 or email theresa@westchasebizzone.com.
** Join Toni on Thursday June 13 at 6:30 PM for a Confused about Medicare Workshop to be held at Chelsea Gardens, 4422 Riverstone Blvd, Missouri City, TX 77459 The presentation is free of charge and open to the public. RSVP by calling 832/800-4674 as seating is limited.
Toni King author of Medicare Survival Guide is available only at www.tonisays.com and not sold in bookstores. Toni is an advocate/consultant for those “Confused about Medicare”. Email questions to toni@tonisays.com or call 832/519-TONI (8664)
