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where you can get quick tips on how to prevent Medicare scams.
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 Shut the Door on Unwanted Visitors & Don’t Release Personal Information -- April 11, 2008
The Iowa SMP office has received inquiries from Waterloo and the surrounding area, about two types of troublesome experiences. First, a person calls to offer an extraordinary Medicare Advantage plan, usually describing it as having a very low or no premium and many “free” services. Or they may ask you if you “understand” your Medicare benefits and offer to come to your home to explain it. There is nothing illegal about this, however, if you agree to have someone visit your home, remember these things. If you change your mind when they arrive, ask them to leave. If you are interested in getting information about the insurance they are selling, have someone there with you to help ask questions, ask for literature and the person’s business card. It’s probably wise to make your decision later and don’t give your Medicare number or bank account information until you have made your decision. You should contact the doctors and other health providers you use or expect to use, to make certain they participate in the insurance plan. There is much information to consider before leaving the original Medicare for an alternative plan; you may want to consider contacting the Senior Health Insurance Information Program for assistance.
The other example that should prompt you to be cautious is what transpires when you attend a presentation by a medical equipment supplier, about “free” medical supplies. The “free” part is usually that they expect Medicare and your supplemental insurance to fully pay for the equipment. This may very well be true. However, you should resist feeling pressured to give your Medicare claim number, supplemental insurance ID number and your physician’s name, before you decide if you need the supplies. And you should verify with your doctor that you meet the criteria for those supplies, before you order any. If you receive supplies you didn’t order, contact the company for instructions on returning them, keep proof of the return, make certain you receive a Medicare notice that they declared a $0 payment for the supplies.
Are Your Prescription Drugs Counterfeit?
As we age we are more likely to be using prescription drugs. The fastest growing age group in the U.S. is 85 years old and up. In addition, baby boomers are entering the time when the likelihood of using prescription drugs is greater. Drug counterfeiters and fraud artists see these as opportunities to make lots of money in any way they can. They are not concerned that they may be physically hurting people or about stealing someone’s money or our Medicare and Medicaid dollars.
What can you and/or your caregivers do to avoid purchasing counterfeit medications?
•Pay close attention to the drugs you purchase, the size, shape, color, taste and side affects. Look for differences from previous purchases.
•Check the packaging for altered or unsealed containers or changes in the packaging or labels.
•Use only reputable licensed pharmacies for purchasing your prescriptions. Check the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (www.nabp.net) or call 1-847-698-6227 for licensing information.
•For online purchases check the seller for appropriate licensing at (www.nabp.net or call 1-847-698-6227. Also check the state board for where the pharmacy of the online seller is located as well as your own state board. Check the pharmacy website for the accredited seal of the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Site (VIPPS) seal. Although this is not a fool proof way to determine if the prescription drugs are counterfeit, it is one check you can make.
What should you do if you suspect you purchased counterfeit prescription drugs?
•Contact the pharmacist from whom you made the purchase.
•Contact the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Medwatch program
at 1-800-332-1088 or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/.
•Report purchases made online at http//www.fda.gov/oc/buyonline/buyonlineform.htm
Be sure to contact your doctor if you suspect you have taken counterfeit drugs.
For more information online visit www.msnbc.com “Inside the world of counterfeit drugs.”
Tear or shred any documents you dispose of that contain personal or financial information, such as bank, medical, or insurance statements. Fraudsters are going through people's trash looking for such information.
If you suspect your identity has been stolen, place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security Number.
The telephone numbers are:
Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
Experian: 1-888-397-3742
Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289
Don't forget Social Security fraud line 1-800-269-0271
Never let someone use pressure or scare tactics to sell you medical equipment, supplies, or health insurance.
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