What should you do if you’re offered free medical services?

||| FROM MARGARET MILLS |||

I called Medicare to report three attempted fraud calls in two days. Medicare sent me this reminder, maybe worth publishing in Orcasonian? Phone callers asked me to confirm that I had Medicare A & B –

“In order to inform you about additional services” or the like – If you can capture the caller’s number on your phone, and /or note how they identify themselves, Medicare fraud report services would like to have that information but DON’T give them any of your information – delete any email, text, etc. message. The Medicare rep I spoke with said that they may even record your voice on phone saying “yes” to their original question (when confirming your name or if you have coverage), to use that voice clip to “sign” (confirm) a fraudulent request in your name.

Avoid Medicare scams

Someone you don’t know calls, emails, or texts you offering free medical equipment or services. What should you do? Hang up. Delete it. Only you and your doctor should decide what care and services are right for you.

Scammers want your Medicare information so they can bill Medicare for services you don’t need — like hospice (end-of-life care), home health care, or durable medical equipment (like a brace or cane).

Hospice scams are particularly harmful. If a scammer signs you up for hospice care without your knowledge, you could lose access to your regular Medicare benefits.

Crush Fraud

Remember: Never give out your Medicare Number and don’t sign anything for free services — it’s a scam. If you think you may have experienced fraud, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or report it online at Medicare.gov/fraud.

Sincerely,

The Medicare Team

NOTE: To root out fraud, Medicare has temporarily stopped allowing new home health and hospice agencies from opening. This doesn’t affect your care. If you and your doctor decide you need home health or hospice services, you can still get them from existing agencies in your area.

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