Medicare Fraud Prevention Week Brings Awareness To Fraud Targeting Senior Citizens

Medicare fraud is costing the government billions of dollars each year and it can mean higher premiums for those on the program.

$60 billion is how much the Medicare industry loses every year to fraud.

This is such a major problem nationally that next week will mark the first national Medicare Fraud Prevention Week,

The Oklahoma Insurance Department is partnering with MAP, the Oklahoma Social Security Administration, the Oklahoma Department of Securities, the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office, AARP Oklahoma and the National Insurance Crime Bureau to educate and empower Oklahomans in the fight against fraud targeting senior citizens.

They say older Americans are the most at risk to Medicare fraud.

Some things experts say you can do to combat Medicare fraud is to protect your identity.

Never give your Medicare number out to anyone but your trusted health care providers.

Always look at your Medicare statement carefully if you see unauthorized charges and report them.

Those who want to learn more about how to protect themselves can go to the Summer Senior Fraud Live Events on June 23 and July 14.

Director of the MAP division, Ray Walker, says “Educational events like this will help individuals stay safe and protect the Medicare program for generations to come.”

To register, click here.

The Medicare Fraud Prevention Week, held June 5-11, kicks off on June 5, or “6-5,” because most people become eligible for Medicare when they turn 65 years old.

Learn more about Medicare Fraud Prevention Week by clicking here.

If you have questions about other insurance issues, please contact the Oklahoma Insurance Department at 1-800-522-0071 or visit their website here.