Seniors get tips on Medicare fraud

Feb. 26-- Feb. 26--DRUMS -- Charlotte Kitler asked the guests of Providence Place if they knew how much money Medicare loses each year through fraud.

"One billion?," guessed one resident.

"No, not quite," said Kitler, a volunteer for an organization that helps the elderly. "It's estimated at $60 billion, or 10 to 11 percent of its budget. And that is a conservative estimate."

Kitler, of the Center for Advocacy for the Rights and Interests of the Elderly (CARIE), encouraged seniors to keep track of their medical records and report anything suspicious.

"After all, it is our money. It's money we paid when we were working or when our spouses were working," she said.

Kitler said some fraud is intentional, while some isn't, such as a medical secretary billing for two hours of physical therapy instead of one.

"But then there was a podiatrist who trimmed nails and charged it as a surgical procedure," she said. In another case, a doctor encouraged patients to sign up for free shoes through Medicare even though the shoes were meant only for diabetics.

But the worst case she has heard was when a Michigan doctor ordered chemotherapy and radiation treatments for people who did not have cancer.

Other fraud cases might not be as obvious, such as a recent onslaught of calls from scammers pretending to represent Medicare. The callers noted that Medicare was issuing new cards, and asked for Medicare numbers and bank account information.

"Medicare will never call you out of the blue," she said. "Beware if anyone wants your Medicare number."

Kitler added that some seniors have been contacted by fraudulent health insurance companies. The caller will ask what type of medical plan a person is on, and if it's Medicare, they'll push for more information.

"They'll say, 'Oh, you're on Medicare? Give us your number and we will provide you with different types of insurance options,'" Kitler said.

She also advised against carrying a Medicare card.

"It can be dangerous if you lose it," she said.

In addition, she advised seniors to check their Medicare statements.

"When you get the Medicare summary notices, compare it with what you really did. Keep records," she said. "You might receive a notice that says you were hospitalized for five days when it was really only three. If you find a discrepancy like that, report it. Call the doctor's office. Call the medical facility."

Kitler provided seniors with information about CARIE and other groups that help seniors. CARIE can help with providing information, getting needed services and resolving problems for older people. Services are free and confidential and can be accessed by calling 800-356-3606.

Contact the writer: [email protected]; 570-501-3592.

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