---If you have questions about information on your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or Part D Explanation of Benefits, call your provider or plan first. Many times a simple mistake has been made and can be corrected by your physician, provider, or supplier's office when you call.
--If your physician, provider, or supplier's office does not help you with the questions or concerns about items listed on your MSN and you still suspect Medicare fraud, you should call or write the Medicare company that paid the claim. The name, address, and telephone number are on the MSN you received, which shows the amount Medicare paid. Be sure to have the MSN in front of you when calling Medicare, so you can give them the information needed.
If you are concerned your Medicare number has been compromised, which may have happened in the above scenario (Medicare number for the "free" back brace), contact the ND SMP. ND SMP will work with you to assure you have alerted all appropriate agencies. Remember, most often your Medicare number is also your Social Security number which if compromised, could lead to identity theft.
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Linda Madsen
ND SMP is available to help victims of Medicare fraud and can help determine whether it is fraud, or just a mistake. ND SMP is a free service which provides one-on-one assistance with Medicare fraud and scams. Contact us at 1-800-233-1737 or 858-3580 for more information, or if you think you've been a victim of health care fraud.
Linda Madsen is project director for N.D. Center for Persons with Disabilities in Minot and for the N.D. Senior Medicare Patrol program in North Dakota.