How to Spot a Medical Scam Before It Costs You

Medical scams are on the rise, and unfortunately, seniors are often the main target. Whether it’s a phone call pretending to be from Medicare or a fake bill that looks real, these scams are designed to confuse and pressure people into giving away money or personal information.

The good news is that once you know what to watch out for, you can avoid becoming a victim. Here’s how to recognize the most common medical scams and protect yourself or someone you love.

1. Fake Medicare Calls

One of the most common scams involves a phone call from someone pretending to work for Medicare. They may say they need to confirm your ID, send you a new card, or check your benefits. The goal is to trick you into giving them your Medicare number, which they can then use to bill for fake services.

How to stay safe:
Medicare will never call you out of the blue and ask for personal information. If someone does, hang up. Call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE to ask if the call was real.

2. Phony Medical Equipment Offers

Some scammers offer “free” medical equipment like braces, wheelchairs, or back supports. They may even know your name and say your doctor requested the item. After they send it, they bill Medicare for something expensive that you didn’t need or ask for.

How to stay safe:
Always check with your doctor before accepting medical equipment. If you didn’t ask for it, don’t take it. Report suspicious offers to Medicare or your local Senior Medicare Patrol.

3. Fake Medical Bills

This scam involves sending fake or inflated medical bills that look like they came from a hospital, clinic, or lab. They may say you owe money right away or threaten to send it to collections.

How to stay safe:
If you get a bill that seems off, don’t pay it right away. Call your doctor or provider to confirm it’s real. Always ask for an itemized bill and compare it with your Medicare statement.

4. Bogus Health Insurance Plans

Some scammers try to sell fake health plans or discount cards that sound like good deals. These plans often don’t cover what they claim, and by the time you need help, it’s too late.

How to stay safe:
Only buy insurance from trusted companies or through the official Medicare or Medicaid offices. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

5. COVID-19 and Vaccine Scams

Even though the pandemic has slowed down, scam calls and texts about COVID tests, vaccines, and treatments are still going around. Scammers may ask for your Medicare number or charge you for something that should be free.

How to stay safe:
You never need to pay out of pocket for COVID-19 vaccines if you’re on Medicare. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before signing up for any medical test or treatment.

What to Do If You’re Not Sure

If something feels off, stop and check. Call your doctor, Medicare, or your local Senior Medicare Patrol. Don’t give out your Medicare number, Social Security number, or bank info to anyone who calls, emails, or texts you.

You can report Medicare fraud by calling 1-800-MEDICARE or contacting the Kentucky Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) at 1-877-603-6558.

Final Thoughts

Scammers count on confusion, fear, and pressure. But when you take a moment to slow down, ask questions, and double-check, you take away their power.

Trust your instincts, ask for help if you’re unsure, and keep your personal information protected. A little caution now can save you a lot of trouble later.