LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – The week of June 5th, or 6/5 is nationally observed as Medicare Fraud Prevention week, while most people qualify for Medicare at age 65.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) and Michigan Department of Attorney General use this week to spread the word on combatting the common scams. Annually, several billion dollars in Medicare costs are lost across the country.
“It is pretty prevalent, so trying to get out ahead to prevent it from happening is just one way we’re trying to bring that amount down,” said MDHHS Community Options Services and Support Section Manager, Katie Alexander.
Scams include calls from unknown numbers claimed to be from Medicare looking to make charges for things like medical equipment to an account. Beneficiaries can register their phone number on the Federal Trade Commission’s National Do Not Call Registry and opt out of mailings by visiting here.
Users are heavily reminded to protect their Medicare number just as they would a credit card or social security number, and to only receive medical items from providers they regularly see, never through unsolicited phone calls or TV advertisements.
A helpful way to fight this type of fraud is through the Michigan Senior Medicare Patrol, who provides more of this information to beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to further prevent them from falling victim, as well as helping those who have experienced fraudulent behavior.
“Our goal is to try and educate individuals across the state to help protect themselves and ways to do that,” said Alexander.
Anyone who suspects a scam can get in contact with the Michigan Senior Medicare Patrol at 844-677-6424, or find more information here.
