Seniors ARE A SECRET WEAPON IN FIGHTING MEDICARE FRAUD

SENIORS ARE A SECRET WEAPON IN FIGHTING MEDICARE FRAUD….

TEXAS SENIOR MEDICARE PATROL is a program through the Better Business Education Foundation to fight Medicare Fraud.  Volunteers are trained to educate and inform Medicare recipients on how to combat and prevent fraud.

The BBB website states the following recommendations to prevent Medicare fraud .

http://houston.bbb.org/texas-smp-senior-medicare-patrol

Never give your Medicare number to a stranger.  Never give your Medicare number over the phone.

Always review your Medicare statement carefully.

Guard your Medicare card like you do your credit cards.

Don’t fall victim to sales tactics that pressure you or scare you into taking medical supplies or equipment you do not need.

Never give your Medicare number to anyone offering a free service. If it is “free” they do not need your number.

Keep records of all healthcare appointments

Never sign a blank form, and request copies of everything you sign.

When in doubt, take the time to ask your doctor or your healthcare provider for clarification of any charges you don’t understand.

There are volunteers available to do presentations to any group interested in being educated on this topic.  Also, they are always looking for seniors to volunteer.  Call  or E-mail Barbara McGinity at bmcginity@bbbhou.org, or call 713-341-6184.