Anyone can quickly become a victim of healthcare fraud. Millions of Americans can attest to the fact that fraud is about more than just losing money; it also costs victims time that patients can’t afford to lose. Each year, consumers and Medicare pay for unnecessary equipment, phony drugs, and fraudulent billing plans. Recent studies conclude that consumers lose more than $10 billion each year as a result of health care fraud.
Keep your personal health and information safe by remembering these tips:
1. Go with someone you know. When health concerns arise, visit your primary physician or someone in their clinic. Let someone you’re familiar with refer you for special equipment, treatment, or medication. Seek advice from a doctor you trust before you purchase any medical products or services over the internet.
2. Protect your privacy. Talk to a trusted physician or pharmacist before releasing your medical records to anyone else. Your information is valuable, and you should treat your Medicare and Social Security numbers like credit cards. Bring in your mail every day. By stealing mail right out of your mailbox, criminals can gain access to an alarming amount of personal information. Also, shred any documents pertaining to Medicare or heath care prior to throwing them away. Your trash becomes a criminal’s treasure if they can get their hands on your private information.
3. Be vigilant and trust your instincts. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Conversely, don’t ignore invoices that seem too high. Check billing statements for excessive charges, billing for the same service twice, or services that were not ordered by your doctor. If you suspect fraudulent activity or abuse, gather facts and report them.
Puritan Financial Companies is a diversified financial services firm specializing in helping people from their peak earning years through retirement to secure their financial future. Visit Puritan Life Insurance at www.puritanlife.com. The information contained in this blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, or investment advice.