The 4R’s.
Ever get a bill in the mail after visiting your doctor? It’s important to check the accuracy of what your billed for during visits with providers by reviewing the Medicare Summary Notices (MSN). MSN’s are not bills, but rather notices that people with Original Medicare get regarding Medicare Part A and Part B covered services. Fraud and abuse are real so get a journal and commit these 4 things to memory:
Record
Use a calendar and a journal. Take notes of the tests and services you received and save receipts for reference later. Use the help of friends and trusted family members with help in taking notes. If you need a journal and live in Florida you may contact your local Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program at 800-963-5337 or 877-808-2468.
Review
Always be on the lookout for signs of fraud including claim’s you might not recognize on your MSN’s. Be weary of any phone calls from companies offering free items like Durable Medical Equipment (DME). Compare dates and services in your journals with those listed on your MSN and make sure that you received each service or item. Any discrepancies may indicate the possibility that you might have been billed for something you did not get.
Report
Report it. Report suspected Medicare fraud by calling the toll-free number at 1-800-MEDICARE. You can also report fraud to the Office of the Inspector General by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS. TTY users should call 1-800-377-4950. If you find fraud you may call the SMP to get assistance with making a report to Medicare.
Remember
Never hand out your Medicare Beneficiary Identification Number unless your doctor or provider requests it. Nothing is free so never give out your Medicare number in exchange for any special offers. Medicare does not call or contact you to ask for personal information like bank account or social security numbers. Never let anyone use your card and never use anyone else’s.