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Prior to being on Medicare, I had a High Deductible insurance policy. I stayed on top of my claims, probably because I was using my hard earned dollars to pay for services. That was over seven years ago, now with Medicare I have become very lax about reviewing claims. What the heck, once I pay my deductible, Medicare and Plan G takes care of the rest; What, Me Worry?
My laxness is exacerbated by the fact that I live in a paperless world, so actually logging into a web site would be a terrible inconvenience (note sarcasm). Still, every now and again I have reason to brave the two factor authentication in order to look something up.
That was the case a few days ago. I was trying to remember when it was time to re-order CPAP supplies. I logged into My Medicare, clicked on a claim date that I thought was about right for my last CPAP order, and got a surprise. It was a $2430 claim for a urinary catheter. I dug a little deeper, and found a total of 5 monthly claims for the device. I’m pretty sure I would have remembered using one of those things…. If you know what I mean😭.
I immediately called Medicare and reported the incident. I have no idea if this is simply a billing error or fraud. I’m certain I would have caught this had I received hard forms, still, paper is wasteful. I am not advocating that we abandon paperless delivery, but going forward, I plan on logging in monthly for the sake of due diligence.
Dan, that’s wild. Thanks for the heads up.
And Magoo, thanks for the article link. I had not heard of this massive scheme at all.
If you’re interested, this fraud was also covered on the news. Here is a link to one of the news stations.
Thanks.
I almost always login to get my EOBs. Yesterday I received a paper copy from my supplemental (even though I am to receive digital) for PT. I will login to MC to download the EOB because I didn’t receive email notification of it. I’m happy because my share is $0.00. It’s the accountant in me😁
Definitely fraud, I reported it, too. Last year, it was multiple billings for Covid test kits.
It is definitely fraud. My husband’s Medicare account was billed for the same thing. He called Medicare to report it and they said it was fraud. It is a $10.6 billion scheme.
Magoo, thanks so much for that link. That’s unreal!
I know exactly what you mean. Did you recognize the provider? Someone has your Medicare number. Mistake or not, that’s not good.
Of course it might help meet your deductible earlier 😎🤑
I knew you’d find a silver lining, Dick!
I didn’t recognize the provider. I googled the doctor, he looks legit, and has a practice in metro Toledo. The company that submitted the claim is in FL.
Of course, we must be the capital of Medicare fraud!
I’d call the doctor’s office and see what they say, put their billing service on the spot as to why your Medicare number was used.
At the other end of the spectrum Connie’s ongoing care for about five months now has incurred tens of thousands in charges. When I checked two days ago not one charges has been processed by Medicare yet.