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Tag: Fraud

Reporting Medicare Fraud

Posted on by djbechard

If you think there is something wrong with a bill for a Medicare service call your doctor, provider or the facility first to check if there was an error. You may want to speak to the billing department as well.

If you are still concerned and have Original Medicare, you can contact the Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC).  The MAC is the company that processed your Medicare claim, and their information can be found on your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN). Alternatively, you can call 1-800-633-4227.

If you are still concerned and have a Medicare Advantage Plan, contact your plan directly. Your plan’s phone number should be listed on the back of your benefit card and on your Explanation of Benefits (EOB).

To report fraud, contact Medicare at 1-800-633-4227, the Senior Medicare Patrol Resource Center 877-808-2468, or the Inspector Generals fraud  hotline at 1-800-447-8477. Medicare will not use your name while investigating if you do not want them to.

By: Brenda Langdon

Medicare Fraud and COVID-19 Scams

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

Scammers are taking advantage of the coronavirus pandemic by using telemarketing calls, text messages, social media platforms, and door-to-door visits to perpetrate COVID-19 related scams.

Con artists may also try to get Medicare numbers or personal information so they can steal identities and commit Medicare fraud.

Medicare covers the COVID-19 vaccine so there will be no cost to you.

  • You will need to share your Medicare card with your health care provider or pharmacy when receiving the vaccine.
  • If anyone else asks you to share your Medicare number or pay for access to the vaccine, it is probably a scam.
  • Don’t share your personal or financial information if someone calls, texts, or emails you promising access to the vaccine for free.

Guard your Medicare card like it’s a credit card.

  • Medicare will never contact you for your Medicare number or other personal information unless you’ve given them permission in advance.
  • Medicare will never call to sell you anything.
  • You may get calls from people promising you things if you give them your Medicare number. Don’t do it.
  • Medicare can’t enroll you over the phone unless you called first.

Be sure to review your Medicare claims and Medicare Summary Notices for any services billed to your Medicare number that you don’t recognize.

By: Brenda Langdon

Check Your Credit

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

One in five people have an error on at least one of their credit reports according to a study conducted by the Federal Trade Commission.

When is the last time you checked your free credit report? Credit reports affect many aspects of your life, including your ability to get a loan, rates for loans and insurance, and more. Sign up today for K-State Research and Extensions’ Check Your Credit email program. We’ll remind you to check your credit report three times during the year on February 2, June 6, and October 10 (2/2, 6/6, 10/10). We will also send you periodic emails with information about how to understand your credit report, correct errors, and use your credit report to your advantage. There is no cost to participate and registration is easy!

Take a step towards financial well-being today by signing up for K-State Research and Extension’s Check Your Credit email program at http://bit.ly/ksrecheckyourcredit .

By: Brenda Langdon

Identity Theft

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

Kansas is seeing an increase in reports or unemployment claim fraud due to identity theft.

Fraudulent claims are being filed using the names and personal information of people who have not lost their jobs. People are often unaware a claim has been made on their behalf until they receive a determination notice in the mail or until their employer receives a notice to verify the employee’s status.

If you suspect a claim has been improperly filed using your identity or your employees’ identity, please contact the Kansas Department of Labor. They will investigate your claim, suspend the fraudulent account if suspicious activity is found and refer the matter over to law enforcement for action.  It is recommended to follow these steps:

  1. Notify all three major credit reporting bureaus, Equifax, TransUnion & Experian and request a “fraud alert” on your credit report.
  2. Contact your banks and credit card companies. Follow their advice as to whether you should close your account.
  3. Contact the Social Security Administration. Order a copy of your Personal Earnings and Benefits Estimate Statement in order to check the accuracy of your work history on file with the SSA.
  4. Notify the Internal Revenue Service. Request a copy of your Wage and Income Transcript from the IRS.
  5. Go to ftc.gov to file a report with the Federal Trade Commission.

By: Brenda Langdon