How to Recognize Medicare Fraud and Scams

Medicare fraud costs billions per year and often starts with an unsolicited call offering "free" equipment or asking to confirm your Medicare number. Here's how to protect yourself.

In this guide (5 steps):

1.Protect your Medicare number like a Social Security number
2.Refuse unsolicited offers of "free" equipment or tests
3.Review your Medicare Summary Notice monthly
4.Be cautious during Open Enrollment season
5.Report Medicare fraud

Protect your Medicare number like a Social Security number

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Only share your Medicare number with your doctor, pharmacist, or other trusted healthcare providers. Never give it to someone who called you, regardless of what they offer.

Refuse unsolicited offers of "free" equipment or tests

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If someone calls offering free braces, equipment, or medical tests, hang up. Legitimate providers do not cold-call people and offer free items in exchange for your Medicare number.

Warning

Even if the equipment arrives at your home, you did not authorize it and do not have to pay for it. Report it to 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) immediately.

Review your Medicare Summary Notice monthly

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Log into MyMedicare.gov to view your claims. Look for providers you did not see, dates you did not have appointments, or services you did not receive. This is your earliest fraud detection tool.

Be cautious during Open Enrollment season

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October 15 – December 7 is Open Enrollment for Medicare Advantage. Scam activity peaks during this period. Only change your coverage through official sources: Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.

Report Medicare fraud

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Report suspected Medicare fraud to the Office of Inspector General at OIG.HHS.gov or 1-800-HHS-TIPS. You can report anonymously and may be eligible for a reward if your report leads to a conviction.

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Medicare fraud is a major and growing problem. Scammers target Medicare beneficiaries (people age 65 and older or those with certain disabilities) using several common approaches.

Common Medicare scams

"Free" medical equipment

: A caller offers free braces, wheelchairs, or medical devices — you "just need" to provide your Medicare number to claim them. The caller then bills Medicare for equipment you never ordered or needed, pocketing the money. Medicare fraud of this type is a federal crime, but you may be held responsible for equipment charges on your account.

Fake cards and enrollment

: Near Medicare Open Enrollment (October 15 – December 7 each year), scammers call claiming your Medicare card is being updated and you need to verify your number. Medicare cards are never updated over the phone.

DNA testing kits

: Scammers offer "free" genetic tests, claiming Medicare covers them. They take a cheek swab, bill Medicare for the test, and sell your genetic data.

What your Medicare number is worth

: Your Medicare number is as valuable as your Social Security number. With it, criminals can bill Medicare for thousands of dollars in fake services in your name.

Protections

: Review your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or check your claims at MyMedicare.gov every month. If you see services, equipment, or providers you do not recognize, call 1-800-MEDICARE immediately.

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