If you’ve ever glanced at a medical bill and thought, “Wait, when did I get an arm brace for a shoulder I didn’t injure?”—you’re not losing your memory. Someone else might be shopping on your Medicare account.
In this publication, we’re exposing a Medicare scam that’s quietly draining resources and putting seniors in Marquette at risk.
The Short Version:
Fraudsters are billing Medicare for unnecessary medical equipment—like diabetic supplies or orthopedic braces—for patients who don’t even have those conditions.
How It Worked:
- Scammers get access to personal information like names, Social Security numbers, and Medicare IDs.
- They submit false claims for pricey medical equipment.
- Victims often only notice when reviewing their Medicare statements and spotting charges for conditions they don’t have.
Who’s Targeted:
Seniors on Medicare are the main targets, particularly those who may not check every detail on their statements. Because personal identifiers are exploited, anyone with Medicare coverage could become a victim.
A Real-Life Example:
Maureen McFadden of the Marquette Senior Center noted: “We’re seeing fraudulent claims for diabetic supplies in people who don’t have diabetes, or braces for shoulders when there’s no orthopedic need.”
Detective Capt. Christopher Aldrich added: “They’re obtaining access to this information and then exploiting it, using that for their own financial gain.”
Why You Should Care:
Even if the short-term cost to you seems minimal, widespread fraud like this drives up Medicare expenses, which can affect your future premiums and coverage. Plus, identity theft is no small matter—once your information is in the wrong hands, it can be misused repeatedly.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Review your Medicare statements regularly and question any unfamiliar charges.
- Never give out personal or Medicare information over the phone or online unless you’re certain it’s legitimate.
- If you spot fraud, call 1-800-MEDICARE to report it immediately.
- Reach out to your local senior center for guidance if you’re unsure.
- Shred old medical documents to keep your information safe.
Quick Tips & Updates:
- Quick Tip: Did you know you can create a secure online Medicare account to track your claims in real time?
- Pro Tip: Keep a written log of your actual medical appointments and prescriptions—this makes it easier to catch suspicious claims.
Stay safe, stay informed.
Keywords & Definitions
- Medicare Fraud: The act of billing Medicare for services or equipment that weren’t provided or weren’t medically necessary.
- Identity Theft: When someone steals personal details (like your Social Security number or Medicare ID) to commit fraud.
- False Claims: Charges submitted to an insurance provider for treatments, equipment, or services that were never received by the patient.
- Medicare Statement (MSN): A summary Medicare sends to beneficiaries listing services billed and what was paid—critical for spotting fraud.
- Senior Service Center: A local organization that assists older adults with resources, including help identifying and reporting fraud.
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