Medicare fraud continues to impact beneficiaries nationwide. Most recently, individuals across the country have reported charges for urinary catheter kits they did not need, did not request, and never received. In many cases, the claims appear legitimate because they list a real or familiar provider’s name. As a result, reviewing a Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or other insurance statement may be the only way a beneficiary discovers that their Medicare identity has been misused.
How the Scam Works
Fraudulent suppliers submit claims to Medicare for durable medical equipment—such as catheter kits—without the beneficiary’s knowledge or consent. Because the billing may include a legitimate provider’s name, the charge may not immediately raise red flags.
If left unaddressed, this type of fraud can:
- Compromise a beneficiary’s Medicare number
- Lead to ongoing unauthorized claims
- Create confusion around legitimate medical records and coverage
The Importance of Reviewing Medicare Statements
We strongly encourage Medicare beneficiaries and caregivers to:
- Review Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) and Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) carefully
- Look for unfamiliar supplies, equipment, or services
- Compare statements against items actually received
- Report suspicious charges promptly
A quick review can make a significant difference in preventing further misuse.
How UCDD Supports Fraud Prevention and Consumer Protection
At UCDD, protecting older adults and individuals with disabilities is a priority. Several of our programs work together to combat Medicare fraud, waste, and abuse:
- Area Agency on Aging and Disability (AAAD): Our AAAD team connects individuals with trusted information, advocacy, and support services. When concerns arise, beneficiaries and caregivers can turn to AAAD for guidance on next steps.
- State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): Our SHIP counselors provide free, unbiased, one-on-one Medicare counseling. They help beneficiaries:
- Understand their coverage
- Review Medicare statements
- Identify questionable charges
- Navigate reporting processes
- Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP): Our SMP team focuses specifically on empowering beneficiaries to detect, prevent, and report fraud. Through community education and direct assistance, SMP helps individuals protect their Medicare identity and benefits.
What To Do If You Suspect Fraud
If you notice suspicious charges:
- Contact your provider to verify the claim.
- Reach out to your local SHIP or SMP representative for assistance.
- Call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE to report concerns.
Education and vigilance are the strongest tools we have to combat fraud. We encourage community partners, caregivers, and providers to help spread awareness so beneficiaries know to review their statements and seek assistance if something doesn’t look right.
If you or someone you serve would like help reviewing Medicare information or learning more about fraud prevention, UCDD’s team is here to help.
