In the previous post, we alerted you about the possible dangers relating to Medicare fraud, and how that can seriously impact the care you need, when you need it…

Here are some practical tips that can help prevent a disaster for you or your loved ones.

1) Protect your Medicare card, like you would a credit card of Social Security card. Do not ever give your Medicare  number when talking to someone you don’t know over the phone. Any kind of stranger who asks for your Medicare number is suspect — even if they claim to be conducting a government-sponsored health care survey.

2) Never allow a friend or relative to use your card. They may be trustworthy, but your number can be stolen from them. And of course, should you lose your card, you should report it immediately. Time is of the essence.

3) Never accept offers for medical equipment, supplies, or services that you do not need – or that you are already currently using. For example, you or loved one might be receiving dialysis treatment and be approached by someone offering “free supplies.” If you unwittingly give that person access to your name, address, and Medicare information, you may indeed receive these “gifts” and have Medicare  fraudulently billed without you knowing. When this happens, report it immediately.

4) Do not give your insurance information to anyone offering a free medical service. They do not need your insurance information (except of course to scam you by harvesting your Medicare number to commit fraud on your account!)

5) Check your Medicare statements regularly.  Review them carefully (just like you would check your credit card bill). Be on the lookout for suspicious charges — for example, bogus charges for doctor visits that didn’t occur, provider names that you don’t know, or any equipment or supplies that you have never received. Check with you physician or health provider first, just to rule out honest mistakes in billing or accounting. If you have an “unexplained,” suspicious entry, report it immediately.

6) Keep a log of your doctors visits and other medical services you receive, so that way you can check it against your statements. Buy a 50 cent spiral notebook and write this information down (see tip number 5).

6) Be careful of enrollment periods — this is the time when criminals victimize seniors by peddling bogus prescription plans. Sometimes these swindlers offer products and services that aren’t even covered by Medicare, to entice the unsuspecting senior. Go check out this link to see if the insurance plan you are considering is legitimate. If they are not listed here, be specially wary. Investigate further.

7) Review you credit reports regularly. If you find out that you have unpaid medical bills, that may very well be a result of a fraudulent transaction billed to your name.

Write the following phone  number down, and tape it on your refrigerator. This is the number you need to call if you suspect or encounter fraudulent activity:

(1-800-447-8477) or 1-800-HHS-TIPS

Their email is HHSTips@hhs.gov

In addition, you can go this link to find the Senior Medicare Patrol in your state (which is part of the State Health Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program.)