Help Prevent Fraud by Protecting Your Medicare Number

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Statistics from the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and other sources estimate Medicare loses approximately $60 billion annually to fraud, errors, and abuse. Experts caution anyone on Medicare is at risk for fraudulent charges and examples include:

  • Billing for services or supplies that were not provided

  • Providing unsolicited supplies to beneficiaries

  • Misrepresenting a diagnosis, a beneficiary’s identity, the service provided, or other facts to justify payment

  • Prescribing or providing excessive or unnecessary tests and services

  • Violating the participating provider agreement with Medicare by refusing to bill Medicare for covered services or items and billing the beneficiary instead

  • Offering or receiving a kickback (bribe) in exchange for a beneficiary’s Medicare number

  • Requesting Medicare numbers at an educational presentation or in an unsolicited phone call

  • Routinely waiving co-insurance or deductibles

If you are on Medicare, you can help prevent some of the fraud as many schemes target beneficiaries directly by stealing their identities or enlisting them as unwitting accomplices. Medicare.gov advises seniors to start by protecting their Medicare card like they would a credit card. This includes not giving out the number to anyone other than your healthcare provider or other people you know should have it. In addition, they say it is important to check your Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) or claims statements carefully. If you see a charge for a service you didn’t get or a product you didn’t order, it could be fraud. If you suspect fraud, report it at 1-800-MEDICARE. 

At MorningStar at West San Jose we provide residents a comfortable home to live rich, independent lives, while receiving any services they may need.  Our location, a 15-minute drive from downtown San Jose, offers a variety of destinations for shopping, dining and recreation.   We are also convenient for medical services with West Valley Center, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, and O’Connor Hospital nearby. 

Independent and assisted living residents have a choice of floor plans in beautifully designed suites that feature high ceilings, large windows, individual climate control and emergency call systems. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood is devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment. To experience our community up close, contact us to schedule a visit on senior housing.

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest senior apartments in San Jose.