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SHIP TALK (Senior Health Insurance Program)![]()
FRAUD AND ABUSE![]()
This week, stating June 5, is Medicare Fraud Prevention Week. That’s right now. So I naturally felt inspired to write about this very same subject, which I haven’t done for quite awhile. ![]()
Did you know that Medicare loses an estimated $60 billion a year due to fraud, abuse, and plain simple errors? I think that’s shocking indeed. When people steal from Medicare, it hurts all of us and is big business for criminals. Some common examples of fraud or abuse could include:![]()
• Charging for services that were not provided.![]()
• Misrepresenting a person’s diagnosis, identity, the service provided, or other facts to justify payment.![]()
• Prescribing or providing excessive or unnecessary tests and services (or equipment).![]()
An example of another BIG fraud that goes on is telephone calls that fit into one of the categories above. I had a client who told me a telephone caller sent her a knee brace for free, that she didn’t know she authorized. Medicare paid for it. Yet another client told me she got a back brace the same way. She neither wanted it or used it. Again Medicare paid for it. This is big criminal business. ![]()
Here in Klamath Falls we don’t have to worry about provider fraud as much as some people. Yet, mistakes happen every day. Maybe your Medicare number has been “compromised” as a result of Medicare identity theft. The most effective way to stop fraud is to educate yourself and your loved ones on how to prevent fraud, errors, and abuses. If you are a Medicare beneficiary, learn how to read your Medicare Statements! Read your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or Explanation of Benefits (EOB) in the paper form that is mailed to you or go online to Medicare.gov and review claims digitally. If suspect something is seriously amiss, check it out. If not satisfied you can call us at SHIBA here at the Senior Center ad we’ll get you in touch with Senior Medical Patrol( SMP) program in Salem. They’re experts at tracking down fraud, or even honest mistakes. ![]()
And, last but certainly not least, you can help by looking out for your older neighbors and friends. If you hear them talking about Medicare confusion, perhaps you know enough to help them understand their paper forms. ![]()
Be alert – be aware. We’re sort of like Smoky the Bear. Only we can detect and prevent fraud. ![]()
That’s it for this week. SHIBA (Senior Health Insurance and Benefits Assistance) is here to help you. We’re located at the Senior Center. Phone:: 541-883-7171.![]()
Anne Hartnett![]()
SHIBA Coordinator
Monday Yoga canceled today due to unforeseen circumstances. We apologize for the inconvenience, will see you next week!
Join the Older Adult Behavioral Health Initiative of Josephine County for a webinar series for the important topic of End of Life care.![]()
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This is the last webinar of the Older Adult Behavioral Health Initiative's End of Life Education Series. Join in for four Wednesday afternoons in June, for a variety of EOL topics. Geared towards healthcare professionals, however open to all community members interested in EOL support and education.![]()
"Advanced Care Planning: Advanced Directives, POLSTs and After-death Care Directives" --12:00 to 1:00 pm![]()
OABHI Specialist Angela Franklin will discuss what advance care planning is and the differnt documents to be utilized. She will how ACP educators and coordinators are shifting focus with implementation and facilitation of ACP conversations.![]()
At the end of this workshop, participants will:![]()
1. describe key elements of advance care planning![]()
2. understand the difference between an advance directive, a living will, and a POLST.![]()
3. learn strategies to engage in ACP conversations![]()
4. explore after-death care directives and identify different types of final disposition.![]()
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Register here: www.eventbrite.com/e/advance-care-planning-advance-dir-polsts-and-after-death-care-directives-tic...