Part 3 in a series about protecting the elderly from different forms of fraud.

With medical advances and ever increasing technology Americans are living longer lives and while the additional years of productivity can improve our quality of life there is also an increase in medicare-fraudfraudulent activities targeted at the elderly of our nation. Not all individuals living longer are experiencing the joy of life as they find themselves the victims of various forms of fraud. A common form of fraud that has been on the rise for years is health and Medicare fraud which costs taxpayers and elderly victims millions of dollars each year.

What is health care/Medicare fraud?

Elderly individuals are often targeted by companies selling illegitimate treatments or products aimed at people who are ill or in poor health. Health fraud occurs when companies target vulnerable individuals with offers of illegitimate treatments or products which they claim will help a person in frail health. Since many people suffering from health problems are eager if not desperate to find relief they are more likely to fall for the scams these companies present. Proceed with caution if you or a loved one see the following warning signs of health fraud and remember if it sounds too good to be true it probably is.

  • A company or product that claims to cure a disease that is not curable such as cancer.

  • Products that are offered only through the mail.

  • Products that promise a quick cure or advertises a remedy to help a variety of ailments.

  • Presents case histories or testimonials from satisfied customers.

Medicare or Medicaid fraud occurs when there is a deliberate omission, misrepresentation, or false statement made that leads to the misappropriation of Medicare or Medicaid funds. The following acts describe common examples of this type of fraud.

  1. Billing for services, procedures or supplies that were never provided or performed.

  2. Misrepresentation of the following for the purpose of receiving payment that one is not entitled: the nature of services performed, dates services were rendered, falsified medical records, incorrect data on the provider or recipient of services.

  3. Performing medically unnecessary procedures for financial gain.

  4. Claims that request more money than necessary.

  5. Excessive charges for services or supplies.

To protect yourself or a loved one from Medicare/Medicaid fraud consider the following tips:

  • Never loan or use a Medicare card that doesn’t belong to you, be sure to only give the information to a professional providing services.

  • Contact local, state and national offices with questions pertaining to services, providers or billing questions.

  • Keep copies of all signed documents as well as receipts for services or products received.