Understanding Your Medical Insurance

Posted on: 29 December 2016

Initially, you might not realize the potential for Medicare fraud. In truth, Medicare fraud does occur each year. The key to fighting back could very well rest in your attention and awareness. These tips will help you do your part to prevent the spread of Medicare fraud, no matter where you live or what kind of care you receive. Consider contacting medicare advisors as well. Senior Advisors

1. Never give anybody your Medicare number.

Your Medicare number identifies you. If you give away this number, even in exchange for a special offer through a business, you are putting your Medicare at risk.

2. Examine Medicare statements carefully for mistakes. 

Do you see items on your statement that you never ordered or received? It could be that somebody else ordered them. Make sure to follow up in cases like these, otherwise you could find yourself facing the consequences of the fraudster's actions.

3. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

Call Medicare if you have any questions about services at all. Just make sure that you are actually speaking to somebody with Medicare by calling the official phone number.

4. Take excellent records of all appointments.

Keep a calendar up to date with all information about your dental and medical appointments, including diagnostic testing. When you receive statements, ensure that everything lines up correctly.

5. Understand Medicare plans thoroughly.

One of the best ways to ensure that you do not fall prey to any sort of scheme or fraud is to understand how your health insurance works. When you know your rights and limitations, you are not as likely to find yourself on the bad end of a misunderstanding.

6. Avoid collecting any sort of medical supplies from salespeople.

If an employee comes to your house as part of a door-to-door operation, it is probably not the case that Medicare approves of the service. You should be extremely wary of salespeople who tell you that Medicare will cover the equipment they sell.

Finally, do make sure that you report all instances of possible Medicare fraud as quickly as possible. You do not want to find yourself on the bad end of a legal case or even having your Medicare taken away from you based on the actions of an unscrupulous individual or company. While Medicare fraud is quite rare, you need to know how to protect yourself in the case that something terrible does happen that leads you into uncharted ground.