Medicare Fraud Protection

How to Protect Your Medicare Information

• Never give your Medicare number to door-to-door salespeople
• Never give it to anyone who offers "free" medical equipment or services in exchange for your number
• Be wary of unsolicited calls, texts, or emails claiming to be Medicare — Medicare initiates contact by mail only
• If you receive a Medicare card you didn't request, report it immediately at 1-800-MEDICARE

Spotting Fraud: Review Your Statements

Your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or Explanation of Benefits (EOB) arrives quarterly. Review every line:

• Check for services you didn't receive or dates you weren't at a doctor's office
• Look for equipment billed that you never received (wheelchairs, CPAP machines, braces)
• Verify provider names — fraudsters bill under real provider numbers
• Watch for identical services billed multiple times on the same date

What to Do If You Suspect Fraud

1. Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)

   Available 24/7. Report any suspected fraud. They can launch an investigation and place a note on your account.

2. Report to HHS Office of Inspector General

   Call 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477) or report online at oig.hhs.gov. This is the federal office that prosecutes Medicare fraud.

3. Contact Your State SHIP Program

   The State Health Insurance Assistance Program provides free, local Medicare counseling in every state. They can help you understand your rights and navigate fraud disputes.