medicare & medi-cal fraud information and prevention
TRANSCRIPT
Medicare & Medi-Cal Fraud Information and Prevention
Social SecuritySocial Security
Every person who is a legal
resident or is a of the USA
has a social security number
that identifies them for
Government purposes
What Are The Most Important Identification Cards You have?
MedicareMedicare
For seniors 65 years or older and disabled persons. ID to obtain medical services
Note that number is the same as the number in the Social Security Card
Most Important Identification Cards
Medi-CalMedi-Cal
ID to obtain Medical Services in California for persons of limited income –no age limitations Each person has his/her own
number, which is different than the Social Security number
Most Important Identification Cards
Why Take Care Of Your Social Security & Medicare Cards?
Your Social Security number can be used to steal your identity –that means someone else can use your number to: Open a bank account Apply for employment Apply for credit cards
Keep your Social security Card in a safe place:
Your Medi-Cal card is like a credit card to buy medical services and equipment
Your Medi-Cal number can be used by thieves to buy medical services and equipment that you don’t need and do not want
Why Take Care Of Your Medi-Cal Card?
What happens when someone else uses your Medicare or Medi-Cal Cards?
Your medical records maybe marked
as an OVER USER!Which may cause denial or delay
of services or medical equipment that you need
OVERUSER
What is wrong with this picture….
Medicare and Medi-Cal are charged for medical tests, procedures, equipment or supplies that may not be appropriate or necessary for you
Every dollar taken by scammers and fraud from Medicare and Medi-Cal is a dollar less to provide medical services to seniors (including you).
How Serious Is Medicare Fraud??
It is estimated that $1 out of $10 is lost to fraudThis money is stolen out of the Medicare & Medi-
Cal Programs and the thieves use to buy luxury mansions, jewelry, etc.
$18,000,000,000
Your Medicare or Medi-Cal is like any other credit card number.
Once you give this number and your personal information, anyone can use them to charge services, equipment or supplies that you did not receive, did not need or did not want.
How does it affect you Personally?
How does it affect you personally?
All your tests, procedures and supplies are recorded in your medical records.
If your records show too many charges, you will be classified as an “over-user” and your Medicare card may be frozen, which will make it difficult for you to obtain medical services when you need them.
Who is stealing from Medicare?
Medical ClinicsMedical EquipmentPhysiciansHospitalsAmbulances
How Do The Thieves Get TheMedicare & Medi-Cal Numbers?
They approach seniors where they congregate and tell them…
“Hi, I am from Medicare (or Medi-Cal)…”
Medicare wants to send you …
Cash $$$Free Groceries
Free MedicationTrip to Casinos
We need your name, address, and Medicare
number…
Many times seniors are pressured into giving their Medicare and Medi-Cal numbers.
A few weeks later…
Most seniors that took a ride to the clinic may receive:
a wheelchair or scooter, a Cane,
a walker, or a Hospital Bed,
If you are diabetic, and sometimes even if you are not, you may begin to receive diabetic supplies that you never ordered, don’t need, or do not want.
Be Informed and Report Medicare Fraud
Be Alert!Don’t let
anyone fool
you!
Ask someone to help you review your bills! Make sure that
you are only charged for the services you
received!
Nothing Is Free!Don’t accept services or equipment that you have not ordered, with
the excuse that they are free.
Be informedc,consult with your family, ask questions before signing.
This is your credit card for Medical Services. KEEP IT IN A SAFE PLACE!
Contact Information
California Health AdvocatesSenior Medicare Patrol Program 1-800-434-0222Website: www.cahealthadvocates
SEARAC916-428-7444Website: www.searac.org