Ohio’s Top Rated — #1 Ranked — “Best Choice” Medicare Expert. The Most Trusted Name in Ohio for Medicare Beneficiaries Since 1999. Your No-Cost Concierge Services Medicare Benefits Guide! Certified Medicare Insurance Planner™, CMIP®.

Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse siphon an estimated $60 billion annually from the program, jeopard of like a massive leak in a bucket, threatening the benefits Ohio beneficiaries rely on. At Ohio Medicare Plan, we’re seeing a sharp rise in inquiries from clients and consumers about fraud, especially pesky, unwanted telemarketing calls and suspicious billing.

As Ohio’s trusted Medicare experts, we’re here to arm you with practical, actionable steps to prevent fraud and protect your benefits. Recognizing and stopping fraud is key to safeguarding your personal information and strengthening Medicare. We’re proud to support Medicare Fraud Prevention Week (June 2–8, 2025) and urge Ohio beneficiaries to attend the Medicare Fraud Hot Topics Webinar hosted by the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP).

Why Medicare Fraud Prevention Matters

According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), fraud involves deliberate scams like billing for services never provided, faking diagnoses, or pushing unnecessary tests. Errors like honest billing mistakesand abuse, like overcharging for services, also hurt beneficiaries through financial loss or medical identity theft. Unwanted solicitations — think robocalls or texts pretending to be from Medicare — are a growing headache, with scammers fishing for your Medicare number to rack up fraudulent charges.

At Ohio Medicare Plan, our clients using Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans report a surge in these aggressive tactics. These scams can lead to stolen identities or drained Medicare funds, which is why education and vigilance are critical. Let’s dive into what you, as a consumer, can do to protect yourself, based on CMS and Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) guidance.

What Consumers Can Do to Prevent Medicare Fraud

Drawing from CMS’s Protecting Your Medicare Coverage and SMP resources, Ohio Medicare Plan recommends these straightforward steps to shield yourself from fraud:

Guard Your Medicare Number Like a Treasure

Your Medicare number is a golden ticket for scammers. Never share it over unsolicited calls, texts, emails, or even door-to-door visits. CMS warns of scams offering free durable medical equipment (like knee braces), genetic testing, or fake “new” Medicare cards. Legitimate providers, including those we partner with for Medicare Part D, won’t contact you out of the blue. Take action by:

• Registering your phone on the National Do Not Call Registry to reduce telemarketing calls.
• Opting out of unsolicited marketing mail at optoutprescreen.com.
• Visiting our Resources page for tips on spotting phishing attempts.

Check Your Medicare Statements Religiously

CMS advises reviewing your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or Explanation of Benefits (EOB) every three months, either by mail or online at Medicare.gov. Look for red flags like:

• Charges for services, equipment, or prescriptions you didn’t receive.
• Double billing or items not ordered by your doctor.
  Use the SMP’s My Health Care Tracker to compare your records with statements. Our Blog offers guides on navigating Medicare.gov to stay on top of claims.

Report Suspicious Activity Without Delay
If something looks off on your MSN or EOB, don’t wait. CMS recommends:

• Contact the provider or supplier listed to ask about the charge — it could be an honest error.
• Call 1–800-MEDICARE or your insurance plan if questions remain.
• Report suspected fraud to Ohio’s SMP for free, confidential help.
  Ohio Medicare Plan’s Contact page connects you with our Certified Medicare Insurance Planners™ to guide you through reporting issues.

Stay Informed About Common Scams

CMS highlights scams involving durable medical equipment (e.g., unneeded braces), genetic testing, or fake Medicare card offers. Be skeptical of TV ads or unsolicited calls pushing medical services. If you receive unordered equipment, don’t accept it — report it. Check our Blog for updates on the latest scams targeting Ohio beneficiaries.

Set Up a Medicare.gov Account

Create a free account at Medicare.gov to access digital MSNs and track claims in real time. CMS notes this helps you spot fraud faster than waiting for mailed statements. Our Medicare Enrollment page offers step-by-step help for setting up your account.

Educate Your Loved Ones

Share these tips with family or friends on Medicare. CMS emphasizes that caregivers and families play a big role in fraud prevention by helping loved ones spot scams and review statements. Encourage them to treat their Medicare number like a credit card and avoid sharing it with unknown parties.

Join the Medicare Fraud Hot Topics Webinar

To boost your fraud-fighting skills, Ohio Medicare Plan recommends attending the Medicare Fraud Hot Topics Webinar hosted by OSHIIP. This virtual event will teach you how to spot scams like telemarketing fraud and medical identity theft, plus how to review your Medicare statements effectively.

Event Details:

• Date: Thursday, June 5, 2025
• Time: 11:00 AM–12:00 PM
• Registration: Enroll here

Held during Medicare Fraud Prevention Week, this webinar aligns with the SMP’s mission to empower beneficiaries. It’s a must-attend event to learn practical ways to protect your Medicare benefits.

How Ohio Medicare Plan Supports You

Since 1999, Ohio Medicare Plan has been Ohio’s go-to for Medicare guidance, offering no-cost concierge services to navigate Medicare Options. As Certified Medicare Insurance Planners™, we’re alarmed by the growing number of fraud-related calls from clients, especially about unwanted solicitations. Our team is here to help you understand your benefits and stay safe from scams. Learn more about our commitment on our About page.

Act Now to Protect Your Medicare Benefits

Fraud prevention starts with you. By following these CMS-backed steps and attending the Medicare Fraud Hot Topics Webinar on June 5, 2025, you can safeguard your healthcare and help preserve Medicare for all. Visit Ohio Medicare Plan for more tools and personalized support. Share this guide with loved ones and let’s keep Ohio’s Medicare community secure!

Ohio’s Top Rated — #1 Ranked — “Best Choice” Medicare Expert. The Most Trusted Name in Ohio for Medicare Beneficiaries Since 1999. Your No-Cost Concierge Services Medicare Benefits Guide! Certified Medicare Insurance Planner™, CMIP®.