Medicare Scam Alert: Help Clients Protect Their Benefits
Medicare scams continue to target older adults across the country. As ProducersXL agents, you can help clients recognize these scams and protect their Medicare benefits.
Be Cautious of Unsolicited Calls, Texts, and Emails
If a client receives a call, text message, or email from someone they do not know offering free medical equipment or healthcare services, they should not respond. Instead, they should hang up, delete the message, or ignore the communication.
Scammers often try to obtain Medicare numbers so they can bill Medicare for services that were never requested or needed. Common scams involve:
- Hospice care
- Home health services
- Medical equipment such as braces, walkers, or canes
Why Hospice Scams Are Serious
Hospice fraud can be especially harmful. If someone is enrolled in hospice without their knowledge, they may lose access to some of their regular Medicare benefits. This can create confusion and make it more difficult to receive the care they actually need.
Clients should review Medicare statements regularly and report any services they do not recognize.
Tips to Share with Clients
Remind clients to:
- Never give their Medicare Number to someone who contacts them unexpectedly.
- Never sign paperwork for “free” services or equipment.
- Discuss healthcare decisions only with their doctor and trusted healthcare providers.
- Review Medicare notices and statements for unfamiliar charges.
What to Do if Fraud Is Suspected
If a client believes they may have been the victim of Medicare fraud, they should contact Medicare right away by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or visiting Medicare.gov/fraud.
Medicare Is Taking Action
To help reduce fraud, Medicare has temporarily stopped approving certain new home health and hospice agencies. This change does not affect beneficiaries who need care. If a client and their doctor decide that home health or hospice services are necessary, they can still receive care from approved agencies already operating in their area.
By helping clients understand these scams, ProducersXL agents can play an important role in protecting beneficiaries from fraud and ensuring they receive the care and benefits they deserve.
