Always keep a record of your health care appointments, the services received and compare them to your Medicare Summary Notice, Explanation of Benefits and any billing statements received from health care your provider/s. Record your doctor’s visits, prescriptions, etc., in your personal healthcare journal which can be obtained by calling the MA SMP Program, 800-892-0890.
Only your primary care physician (PCP), specialist, hospital and/or clinic that you frequent should make referrals for special equipment, other medical services or prescribe medicine.
Never show anyone your medical or prescription records without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
Never accept an offer of free medical equipment or supplies.
Be suspicious and cautious of “free” offers that require your Medicare or Medicaid number.
Never accept medical supplies or equipment from door-to-door salesman.
If someone calls and tries to pressure you into purchasing something, making a donation or anything else—SIMPLY HANG UP THE PHONE.
If someone comes to your door and says they are from Medicare or some other healthcare company, DO NOT LET THEM IN YOUR HOME and CALL YOUR LOCAL POLICE.
Do your homework and talk to your healthcare provider before buying or investing in internet “cure-alls” or miracle products or services.
Don’t keep mail in your mailbox for more than one day. Your personal information can be stolen right from your mailbox.
Rip up, shred or otherwise destroy your Medicare or other healthcare papers and other important documents instead of just throwing them away. Scammers may go through your trash!
Treat your Medicare and Social Security cards like credit cards. If someone offers to buy your Medicare or Social Security number, don’t do it! It is illegal!
Remember this! Medicare doesn’t sell anything, Medicare doesn’t make home visits and Medicare will not give you anything.
Follow your instincts—if it seems too good to be true, it probably is!
Always read your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or health care billing statement (Explanation of Benefits). Your MSN & other Explanation of Benefits forms are generally stamped “THIS IS NOT A BILL” and come in after your receive medical care.
Look for three (3) things on your billing statement(s):
Charges for something you didn’t receive
Billing for the same thing twice
Services that were not ordered by the Doctor.
If you suspect any errors, fraud or abuse related to your healthcare, call the MA SMP Program office, 800-892-0890.
