Скачать или смотреть Medicare Fraud Exposed: What to Watch For and How to Report

Medicare fraud costs taxpayers tens of billions of dollars annually and undermines healthcare for millions of Americans. Learn how to recognize, report, and prevent Medicare fraud in this comprehensive guide from The Advocacy Blueprint.
In this episode, hosts Matthew and Amy break down:

What legally constitutes Medicare fraud vs. abuse vs. errors
Common fraud schemes: billing for phantom services, upcoding, unbundling, unnecessary equipment
Red flags that signal potential fraud
Step-by-step reporting instructions to multiple agencies
What happens after you file a fraud report
Whistleblower protections and privacy rights
Proactive strategies to protect yourself from becoming a victim

⚠️ COMMON MEDICARE FRAUD RED FLAGS:

Unsolicited calls offering "free" medical equipment
Services on your Medicare Summary Notice you never received
Providers who pressure you to accept unnecessary tests or equipment
Duplicate billing or sudden increases in service frequency
Providers more interested in your Medicare number than your health

📞 HOW TO REPORT MEDICARE FRAUD:

OIG Hotline: 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477)
Online: https://tips.hhs.gov
Senior Medicare Patrol: 877-808-2468 | smpresource.org
Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)

✅ KEY FACTS:

Reporting is confidential - you can remain anonymous
You don't need proof to report suspicions
Whistleblowers are legally protected from retaliation
The Medicare Fraud Strike Force has recovered billions in fraudulent claims
Many successful cases started with alert beneficiaries noticing something wrong

🛡️ PROTECT YOURSELF:

Treat your Medicare number like a credit card number
Review Medicare Summary Notices every quarter
Keep a personal healthcare journal
Never give your Medicare number to unsolicited callers
Question unnecessary services or equipment
Verify any Medicare-related communication independently

💡 Remember: Medicare will NEVER call you unsolicited to offer free services, verify your number, or sell you anything. If someone contacts you claiming to be from Medicare, hang up and call the official Medicare number to verify.
Your vigilance protects not just yourself, but the entire Medicare program that millions depend on. When you spot something suspicious, report it.