For Immediate Release

November 28, 2011

For more information, contact:
Sara Arif
Director of Public Affairs
Kansas Department on Aging
785.296.6154
Sara.arif@aging.ks.gov

Healthcare Schemes Happening in Kansas

Topeka- Medicare beneficiaries will soon be reviewing their choices in Medicare Part D prescription drug plans. This has been a wonderful benefit for seniors to help in their medication needs. However, this has also opened the door for new and unprecedented fraud attempts.

In Kansas most recently, the Kansas Department on Aging Senior Medicare Patrol has received reports of Medicare recipients being offered “free diabetic supplies.” The caller then tells the person all the company needs is their Medicare number to receive these “free” diabetic supplies.  The scammer is then billing Medicare for diabetic supplies from several companies and then sometimes selling the Medicare number to others who are billing Medicare for other medical services.  

Protecting your personal information is the best line of defense in the fight against healthcare fraud and abuse. 

Here are some ways to take an active role in your healthcare benefits:

• Protect your Medicare or Medicaid number as you would your credit card or bank information. Don't give out your personal information, such as your Medicare, Medicaid or Social Security number, bank account numbers or credit card numbers to anyone you do not completely trust.

• Medicare and Medicaid do not sell or endorse any product. If someone calls you or visits your home and tells you that he or she represents Medicare or Medicaid, they are lying and cannot be trusted. Hang up the telephone or shut the door. “It’s shrewd to be rude.”

• Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, banks, etc. will not call you by phone to ask for your account number or personal information.  They already have your information.

• Never accept “free” services from persons selling medical services. If anyone tries to offer you “free” services, be very suspicious. 

If you suspect Medicare, Medicaid fraud, errors, abuse or scams, contact the Kansas Department on Aging Senior Medicare Patrol hotline at 1-800-860-5260.

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The Kansas Department on Aging’s mission is to foster an environment which; promotes security, dignity and independence, while providing the right care, at the right time, in a place called home.