by Kim Smallcombe, CHW, MMAP Regional/Program Coordinator
Medicare covers 63 million people in the US. Medicare Fraud is estimated at $60 billion per year. This affects everyone, increasing taxes, lowering the quality of healthcare, and putting the Medicare trust fund at risk. It also results in higher Medicare premiums. You have the power to reduce this. The first step is to prevent identity theft.
- Never give your Medicare card or number or Social Security card or number to anyone except your doctor, your insurer, or a MMAP representative.
- Do NOT accept offers of money or gifts for free medical care.
- Never join a Medicare health or drug plan over the phone unless you called Medicare to do so.
- Don’t answer calls from unfamiliar numbers. Legitimate callers will leave a message. Scammers will not.
- If someone asks you for your information, for money, or threatens to cancel your health benefits if you don’t share your personal information, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), or your local MMAP office.
- Medicare health plans ARE allowed to send mail. It must state that it is an advertisement. Except for your current provider, they CANNOT call or visit unless you’ve invited them. Hang up or turn them away.
Every MMAP (Michigan Medicare Assistance Program) counselor is also trained in Senior Medicare Patrol to assist you with Medicare errors, abuse, and fraud. We have offices in every Michigan county. Call today! 800-803-7174 MMAP is a free Medicare counseling service provided for you via state and federal grants.
