Fraud

Medicare fraud is when someone tries to bill Medicare for services they know the beneficiary never received. Abuse occurs when someone misuses the system through unacceptable business practices such as prescribing unnecessary medical tests. Fraud and abuse cost government programs and consumers millions of dollars every year. The following information is provided to help you understand how to protect yourself against fraud, identify theft and abuse.

Senior Medicare & Medicaid Patrol Project
The Florida Senior Medicare & Medicaid Patrol Project is a program that educates and assists consumers regarding Medicare fraud, waste and abuse situations.

Identity Theft – Quick Facts About Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage and Protecting Your Personal Information (PDF 371KB)
Prescription drug identity theft happens when someone uses your Social Security, Medicare, bank account, or credit card numbers or your name without your consent to commit fraud or other crimes. Protect yourself by reviewing this Medicare fact sheet that includes helpful hints and contact information. (2 pages)

Identify Theft (PDF 1.61MB)
Outside Link. The Department of Financial Services provides excellent tips and contact information urging consumers to take precautions against identify theft. (2 pages)

Federal MEDICARE Fraud
Outside Link. Information for Medicare beneficiaries or their representatives regarding Medicare fraud - includes information about filing complaints in writing or by telephone.

Federal MEDICAID Fraud
Outside Link. The federal Medicaid Web site for general fraud information. Although states are primarily responsible for policing fraud in the Medicaid program, CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) provides technical assistance, guidance and oversight in these efforts.

Florida Senior Legal Helpline (PDF 3MB)
The Senior Legal Helpline provides free legal advice and services to Florida residents age 60 and over, regardless of income, to help individuals resolve their civil legal problems. (2 pages)

Important Contacts:
1-800-962-2873 Florida Abuse (1-800-453-5145 Telephone Device for the Deaf)
1-800-447-8477 Inspector General Fraud Hotline (Medicare Fraud)
1-877-438-4338 Federal Trade Commission’s ID Theft Hotline
1-800-342-2762 Department of Financial Services (for financial fraud/scams)
1-800-435-7352 Florida Division of Consumer Services
  850-414-3600 Florida Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (Office of Attorney General)
1-888-895-7873 Florida Senior Legal Helpline