Help protect yourself from Medicare fraud and scams

You may have heard about Medicare fraud and scams. The good news is that there are some simple steps you can take to stay safe. Learning how to spot common scams can help you protect your benefits and personal information. 

The next sections share easy tips on what to do, what to avoid and how to spot and report fraud. Whether you manage your own health care or help someone else, knowing about Medicare scams can help keep your information safe.

What are Medicare fraud and scams, and how can I avoid them?  

Medicare fraud and scams happen in many ways. Fraud costs Medicare — and taxpayers — billions of dollars each year.1 One of the best ways to help protect yourself is to know what to look out for. Check the news and social media to learn about the latest health care scams. Follow these tips to help keep your personal information safe.

Billing fraud

Billing fraud happens when a provider, clinic or pharmacy bills Medicare for treatment, testing, services or medications you did not receive. Sometimes, they charge more than they should for a service. They may also change billing codes or add services that were not provided. Here’s how to help protect yourself from billing fraud:

Check your claims and statements

Look over your statements and receipts carefully. Make sure everything listed is correct. If you see a test, service or treatment you did not receive, contact your provider. You can also sign in to the member site to review your claims online.

Identity theft

Medical identity theft and Medicare scams happen when someone uses your personal information to get medical services. This may include provider visits, prescription drugs or even surgery.

Scammers sometimes pretend to work for Medicare. They try to get your Medicare number and other personal information so they can use it to get health services in your name. Scammers may also offer “free gifts” if you fill out forms that ask for your Medicare ID number or other personal health information. Here are some steps you can take to help protect yourself from identity theft:

Protect your ID numbers

Keep your UnitedHealthcare member ID number, Medicare number and Social Security number private. Treat them like a credit card or bank number. Only give them to people who are authorized, such as your health care provider or pharmacy. Shred papers that include personal information before throwing them away.

Do not save important numbers online

While it might seem harmless, saving your UnitedHealthcare member ID number, Medicare number, Social Security number or other personal health information in online auto-fill forms, browsers or digital notes can put your information at risk.

Be cautious of calls, emails or home visits from people asking for your information

Do not click links from unknown emails or messages. Never share personal or banking information unless you are sure who you are talking to. Always check the sender’s email address before clicking a link.

 

Please note:

If you’re a UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage member, you may receive calls or home visits from UnitedHealthcare representatives about your plan and health care. However, a representative from Medicare will only contact you for personal information if you contacted them first, are enrolled in a plan or have already reported possible fraud.

False marketing

Another type of Medicare scam happens when someone pretends to be a Medicare salesperson or insurance representative. They may try to sell fake plans or offer free or low-cost medical equipment or drugs to get your personal information. Here’s how to help avoid false marketing scams:

Don’t give out personal information in exchange for medical equipment or services

If someone contacts you without asking and offers free or low-cost medical items in exchange for personal information, it may be a scam. If you’re a UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage member eligible for an in-home visit, a licensed health care professional may visit you. It is okay to share information with them.

Be cautious of unsolicited callers

Do not give out your Medicare number over the phone unless you called Medicare yourself. UnitedHealthcare may call members about their plans. If you're not sure about an offer or request, don’t hesitate to hang up the call and call UnitedHealthcare directly. Call the number on your UnitedHealthcare UCard® or 1-800-MEDICARE to speak with a Medicare representative.

View more tips for preventing Medicare fraud
Learn about recent fraud and abuse schemes

How to report Medicare fraud or scams

If you think there may be fraud or scams, report it right away. You can file a report online or call one of the numbers below:

Report a concern

Are you a member looking for plan information and resources?

View member resources for UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans
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