June is Fraud Prevention Month - join the fight against Medicare fraud
Washington Senior Medicare Patrol announces the kickoff of Medicare Fraud Prevention Month beginning June 5. We're launching a comprehensive, statewide effort to empower every Medicare beneficiary with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves from healthcare fraud.
We recognize Medicare beneficiaries are our most powerful allies in detecting, preventing, and reporting fraud. When you know what to look for and how to report it, you become an essential part of our fraud prevention network.
- Follow us on social media on Facebook or Nextdoor.
- Attend a local event to learn more about Medicare.
Listen to our podcast on How to avoid Medicare fraud.
Prevent, notice, and report Medicare fraud
Medicare fraud costs about $60 billion a year, raising the cost of health care for everyone and making it harder to get the care you need.
How we can help you
Fraud can happen at any time. It includes criminals stealing directly from Medicare or doctors, pharmacies, or medical suppliers providing care or equipment you don’t need.
SHIBA volunteers and Washington SMP can provide everyone involved in your care with the information and tools to find and prevent fraud before it happens. If you suspect fraud has already happened, our volunteers will help answer your questions and report your concerns to investigators.
You can call SHIBA at 800-562-6900 or report suspected fraud online.
How to identify Medicare fraud
You can take several steps to help prevent and identify fraud:
- Keep copies of all your receipts and bills. Check your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or Explanation of Benefits (EOB) regularly to make sure you received all the care it lists.
- Don’t let anyone borrow or pay to use your Medicare number.
- Don’t give out personal information such as your Medicare number, Social Security number, bank account, or credit card numbers to anyone unless you have contacted the person or organization.
- Medicare will never contact you to ask for personal information.
- Treat your Medicare card like a credit card.
If you've lost or damaged your Medicare card, you can get a new one. Log in to your secure Medicare account to print or order a replacement card. Or call 1-800-MEDICARE to request a new card by mail.
Learn more about how to keep your information safe.
Scams and fraud are always changing. Learn about the latest fraud trends and most common types of fraud by visiting the national Senior Medicare Patrol Resource Center.
Scam calls
Even if you signed up for the “do not call list,” you may still get frequent scam calls. If so, visit the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) page about phone, email and text scams. The FTC also provides information on protecting yourself from financial crimes and consumer fraud.
Social Security fraud
If someone stole your Social Security number or used it without permission, you can report fraud to the Social Security Administration. Social Security also provides information about benefits and preventing identity theft.
Washington State Medicaid/Apple Health fraud
Washington Health Care Authority is our state’s organization that oversees Medicaid, behavioral health, and public employee benefits. If you have Medicaid and suspect someone has fraudulently used services or supplies, you can report fraud by calling 1-833-794-2345 or emailing hottips@hca.wa.gov.
Visit the Health Care Authority website to learn more about their programs and how to prevent fraud.
Billing errors or complaints
First, contact your plan or provider to resolve the issue. If this doesn't help, submit your complaint online.