Medicare and Healthcare Fraud
Learn about common Medicare fraud schemes — genetic testing scams, equipment billing fraud, upcoding, and medical identity theft — and how to protect yourself in Hawaii.
Lesson content
Summary
Healthcare fraud costs billions every year. Criminals often target Medicare beneficiaries, including kupuna in Hawaii.
Common Fraud Schemes
Genetic Testing
Offers "free" genetic testing to obtain your Medicare number. The tests may be unnecessary and the results may never be used for your care.
Durable Medical Equipment
Billing Medicare for equipment you never received, such as braces, wheelchairs, or diabetic supplies.
Upcoding
Charging for more expensive medical services than were actually provided.
Medical Identity Theft
Someone uses your Medicare number to receive healthcare. This can place incorrect information into your medical record, which may affect your future care.
Prevention
Keep a Personal Health Care Journal. Compare it with your Medicare Summary Notices and Explanation of Benefits statements. Report anything that does not match.
Hawaii Resources
- Senior Medicare Patrol (Hawaii): (808) 586-7281 or 1-800-296-9422
- Hawaii SHIP: (808) 586-7299
Step-by-step actions
- Keep a Personal Health Care Journal of appointments, tests, and equipment.
- Compare your journal with Medicare Summary Notices and Explanation of Benefits.
- Report mismatches to Senior Medicare Patrol at (808) 586-7281.
- Never give your Medicare number to someone who calls you unexpectedly.
- Contact Hawaii SHIP at (808) 586-7299 for Medicare counseling and help.
Hawaii Medicare Help
- Senior Medicare Patrol: (808) 586-7281
- Hawaii SHIP: (808) 586-7299
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Protecting Your Personal Information
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