Fraud

Medicare fraud is when someone tries to bill Medicare for services they know the beneficiary never received. Abuse occurs when someone misuses the system through unacceptable business practices such as prescribing unnecessary medical tests. Fraud and abuse cost government programs and consumers millions of dollars every year. The following information is provided to help you understand how to protect yourself against fraud, identify theft and abuse.

Senior Medicare & Medicaid Patrol Project
The Florida Senior Medicare & Medicaid Patrol Project is a program that educates and assists consumers regarding Medicare fraud, waste and abuse situations.

Identity Theft – Quick Facts About Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage and Protecting Your Personal Information (PDF 440KB)
Prescription drug identity theft happens when someone uses your Social Security, Medicare, bank account, or credit card numbers or your name without your consent to commit fraud or other crimes. Protect yourself by reviewing this Medicare fact sheet that includes helpful hints and contact information. (3 pages)

Identity Theft - Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (PDF 2.36MB)
Every consumer is a potential target of identity theft. This publication provides preventive steps a consumer can take to ensure the security of their financial identity.

Identity Theft - Federal Trade Commission (PDF 6.91MB)
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has produced this booklet to help you remedy the effects of an identity theft. It describes what steps to take, your legal rights, how to handle specific problems you may encounter on the way to clearing your name, and what to watch for in the future.

Federal MEDICAID Fraud
Outside Link. The federal Medicaid website for general fraud information. Although states are primarily responsible for policing fraud in the Medicaid program, the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides technical assistance, guidance and oversight in these efforts.

Florida Senior Legal Helpline
The Senior Legal Helpline provides free legal advice and services to Florida residents age 60 and over, regardless of income, to help individuals resolve their civil legal problems. (English PDF 3 MB) (Spanish PDF 3 MB)

Important Contacts: