Protecting older adults

The Ohio Senior Medicare Patrol, part of the non-profit Pro Seniors organization, announced its partnership with multiple Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) across Ohio to drive awareness of medical identity theft and stop scammers. Medical identity theft occurs when someone uses personal information – such as your name and Medicare number – to bill for services or supplies you did not approve. Fraudsters may send you unwanted COVID test kits, call you to claim you qualify for free genetic testing, tell you Medicare is issuing new cards, or they may bill Medicare for a knee brace in your name. Representatives from the AAAs across counties will teach people about this type of fraud. Information shared includes: Clues that your medical identity may be compromised include receiving boxes of braces, testing kits, or other medical supplies in the mail that you did not request; Being contacted by a debt collection company for a provider bill that you do not owe; Giving out your Medicare number after receiving calls about "free" services or products. Ways to prevent medical identity theft: Never give out your Medicare number. Understand that Medicare and Social Security already have your Medicare and Social Security numbers and will not initiate a call to you. Be cautious of anyone who comes to your door offering "free" testing, treatments, or supplies for genetic diseases, cancer, or the coronavirus. Be cautious when purchasing medical supplies from unverified or unknown sources, including online advertisements and email/phone solicitations. What to do if you suspect fraud: Check your medical summary notices for visits, equipment or services you did not approve. If you gave out your Medicare number, it is now considered "compromised." Call the Ohio Senior Medicare Patrol at 800-488-6070 and they can help you identify suspected fraud on your account, as well as help you request a new Medicare number.