Health care is an important component of every person’s life. However, scammers take advantage of this fact and engage in fraudulent activities with health care. Senior citizens are particularly vulnerable to health care fraud thanks to their diminished ability to read the fine print that comes with a healthcare contract.
And since senior citizens require more medical attention than other age groups, fraudulent companies will stop at nothing to have them signed up under their health care plans. But, senior citizens are not the only healthcare fraud targets. Anyone can be a victim of health care fraud.
Here is how you can fall victim to health care fraud:
Using fake identity to sign off for equipment or treatment
As already mentioned, anyone can be a victim of Medicare fraud. Most often, medical equipment dealers will offer free products in exchange for client medical information. It is not unusual for fraudsters will fake signatures or bribe unscrupulous health care providers to sign the Medicare form. Once they have secured the signature or identity, they will bill Medicare for a product or a service that was never requested in the first place.
You can stay safe from these unscrupulous providers by familiarizing yourself with the False Claims Act and avoiding signing blank insurance claims.
Getting billed for a service that was never performed
Without your consent or knowledge, a health care provider might bill your insurance company for a treatment they never provided. To avoid dealing with such situations, be sure to check your mailings with respect to your medical insurance statement of coverage. If you notice any discrepancies, contact your insurance company immediately and inform them about the treatment you have not received yet you are being billed for.
Other signs of health care fraud:
- Duplicate billing for the same treatment
- Inadequate care
- Waiving of deductibles or copayments
Health care fraud happens from time to time. If you suspect that you or someone you know has been a victim of healthcare fraud, you do not have to wait until it is too late. Remember, what starts out as a health care fraud may escalate into more serious development that may result in serious physical or financial harm.