Medicare & Medi-Cal Fraud Information and Prevention

Social Security Every person who is a legal resident or is a of the USA has a social security number that identifies them for Government purposes What Are The Most Important Identification Cards You have?

Medicare For seniors 65 years or older and disabled persons.  ID to obtain medical services  Note that number is the same as the number in the Social Security Card Most Important Identification Cards

Medi-Cal ID to obtain Medical Services in California for persons of limited income –no age limitations  Each person has his/her own number, which is different than the Social Security number Most Important Identification Cards

Why Take Care Of Your Social Security & Medicare Cards? Your Social Security number can be used to steal your identity –that means someone else can use your number to:  Open a bank account  Apply for employment  Apply for credit cards Keep your Social security Card in a safe place: Never carry your Social Security card in your wallet or your purse!

Your Medi-Cal card is like a credit card to buy medical services and equipment Your Medi-Cal number can be used by thieves to buy medical services and equipment that you don’t need and do not want Why Take Care Of Your Medi-Cal Card?

What happens when someone else uses your Medicare or Medi-Cal Cards? Your medical records maybe marked as an OVER USER! Which may cause denial or delay of services or medical equipment that you need OVERUSER

What is wrong with this picture…. Medicare and Medi-Cal are charged for medical tests, procedures, equipment or supplies that may not be appropriate or necessary for you Every dollar taken by scammers and fraud from Medicare and Medi-Cal is a dollar less to provide medical services to seniors (including you).

How Serious Is Medicare Fraud?? It is estimated that $1 out of $10 is lost to fraud This money is stolen out of the Medicare & Medi-Cal Programs and the thieves use to buy luxury mansions, jewelry, etc. $18,000,000,000

Your Medicare or Medi-Cal is like any other credit card number. Once you give this number and your personal information, anyone can use them to charge services, equipment or supplies that you did not receive, did not need or did not want. How does it affect you Personally?

How does it affect you personally? All your tests, procedures and supplies are recorded in your medical records. If your records show too many charges, you will be classified as an “over- user” and your Medicare card may be frozen, which will make it difficult for you to obtain medical services when you need them.

Who is stealing from Medicare? Medical Clinics Medical Equipment Physicians Hospitals Ambulances

How Do The Thieves Get The Medicare & Medi-Cal Numbers? They approach seniors where they congregate and tell them… “Hi, I am from Medicare (or Medi-Cal)…” Medicare wants to send you … Cash $$$ Free Groceries Free Medication Trip to Casinos We need your name, address, and Medicare number… Many times seniors are pressured into giving their Medicare and Medi-Cal numbers.

A few weeks later… Most seniors that took a ride to the clinic may receive: a wheelchair or scooter, a Cane, a walker, or a Hospital Bed, If you are diabetic, and sometimes even if you are not, you may begin to receive diabetic supplies that you never ordered, don’t need, or do not want.

Be Informed and Report Medicare Fraud Be Alert! Don’t let anyone fool you ! Ask someone to help you review your bills! Make sure that you are only charged for the services you received! Nothing Is Free! Don’t accept services or equipment that you have not ordered, with the excuse that they are free. Be informedc, consult with your family, ask questions before signing. This is your credit card for Medical Services. KEEP IT IN A SAFE PLACE!

Contact Information California Health Advocates  Senior Medicare Patrol Program   Website: SEARAC   Website: