Turn the tables on Medicare scammers

By Devoted Health Team
March 6, 2024

Whether by email, snail mail, phone, or social media, every day seems to bring a new scam. And of course, scammers have found a way to target Medicare too.

The good news is that it’s relatively easy to protect yourself from Medicare fraud. Let’s look at Medicare scam calls and the fraud prevention you can take.

How Medicare scams work

Medicare fraudsters look for ways to get your Medicare number. They can use this to bill fake services to Medicare or insurers like Devoted as a false healthcare provider.

The price of Medicare fraud

Medicare fraud and abuse costs taxpayers like you billions of dollars each year. At a personal level, it’s identity theft. If it happens to you, it can cause endless headaches, a lot of stress, and even legal issues.

Where do scams start?

Scams can come by phone, mail, email, or even door to door. Grab your crime busting cape and let’s look at how to avoid them.

Keeping your Medicare number safe

• Use your Devoted card. You need your Medicare number to join a health plan, but use your Devoted member ID whenever you get care. 
• Keep your red, white, and blue Medicare card at home in a safe place away from prying eyes. Not even your doctors need your Medicare number. 
• Guard your Medicare number just like your Social Security number or credit card number.

3 common scams and how to foil them

1. THE SCAM:
   Someone may call, email, or text you. They say they’re from Medicare and they need your Medicare number.
   FOIL IT:
   HANG UP THE PHONE, delete the email, or ignore the text. Medicare will never call you unless you call them first. Think it may be a scam? Call Medicare directly at 1-800-633-4227 to see if they tried to contact you.
2. THE SCAM:
   Someone comes to your home saying they’re from Medicare. They have a free offer for you and just need your Medicare number.
   FOIL IT:
   CLOSE THE DOOR and call the police. This is never legit. Medicare will never send someone to your house and they will never try to sell you anything.
3. THE SCAM:
   Someone offers you free medical services, tests, or equipment. All you have to do is give your Medicare number.
   FOIL IT:
   CALL DEVOTED. No provider needs your Medicare number—you have complete coverage with your Devoted card. Call us at 1-800-338-6833 (TTY 711).

Have a story you’d like to share? We want to hear from you. Send your ideas to connections@devoted.com.

Now trending

7 ways to build your social muscles
Happiness at any age
5 unexpected benefits of healthy teeth
Take control of your medications

Learn more about your Medicare options

Find out if a Medicare Advantage plan is right for you in this FREE Medicare Comparison Guide. Download the Medicare Comparison Guide