AARP Fights Medicare Fraud

AARP is involved in the fight against Medicare fraud and other schemes that target your health care.

“We are working with Congress and the administration to make sure that Medicare has the necessary resources to combat fraud and abuse and to make it harder to bilk the program and Medicare beneficiaries,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP executive vice president and chief advocacy and engagement officer. “Successes like removing Social Security numbers from Medicare cards are important steps, but more must be done to protect Medicare for future generations.”

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AARP’s Fraud Watch Network monitors trends on Medicare fraud and advises members on how to avoid becoming the victim of a scam. To find the latest updates and to stay on top of fraud schemes that may target you, go to the Fraud Watch Network.

Protect yourself by following a few rules

• Review your Medicare Explanation of Benefits statements. Verify that each of the items on your statement was provided on the date listed and from the provider indicated. 

• Call the Medicare hotline at 800-633-4227 if you have questions about your statement or think an adjustment is in order. 

• Report it to authorities if you spot a charge that does not look legitimate or if you become aware of what appears to be fraudulent Medicare activity. The contact is the hotline at the HHS Office of Inspector General, 800-447-8477. All calls are handled confidentially. If you suspect there is a fraudulent charge to your prescription plan (Medicare Part D), the toll-free number to call is 877-772-3379.

• Write a letter with any complaints to: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, Attention: OIG Hotline Operations, P.O. Box 23489, Washington, D.C. 20026.

• Alert the government: Health care providers who know of fraud or waste should report it by calling 800-447-8477.