Medicare Fraud Attempt Reported

A Medicare fraud attempt using the phone number of Jefferson Community Health & Life has been reported by a Lincoln resident. JCH&L reminds patients to never give their Medicare number, social security number or other personal information over the phone.

The Lincoln resident reported that they had received a call which showed caller ID of JCH&L and was asked to update Medicare information. The call did not originate at JCH&L. Unfortunately, criminals often “spoof” numbers from trusted providers.

“JCH&L will never ask for your Medicare number over the phone,” said Kim Shadduck, business office manager. “If you are ever concerned with a phone call that appears to be from JCH&L, please hang up and call us back directly.”

JCH&L reminds Medicare recipients that if you receive such a call, don’t give your Medicare number. If you have given you Medicare number, call the number on your card and report possible Medicare fraud. If you have questions or concerns about calls which appeared to come from JCH&L, please call Shadduck at 402- 729-3351, extension 7124.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) has this advice for Medicare recipients:

• Medicare beneficiaries should be cautious of unsolicited requests for their Medicare numbers. If anyone other than your physician’s office requests your Medicare information, do not provide it.
• If you suspect Medicare fraud, contact the HHS OIG Hotline.
• If you get a call, text or email asking for your Medicare number, don’t respond. Don’t give your Medicare card or Medicare number to anyone except your doctor or people you know should have it. (JCH&L would not typically ask for your Medicare number over the phone.)
• Check your Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) or claims statements carefully. If you see a charge for a service you didn’t get or a product you didn’t order, it may be fraud. If you suspect fraud, report it at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227.)
• Guard your Medicare card like it’s a credit card.

Please visit Medicare.gov, the official source of Medicare information, to learn more about preventing Medicare fraud and medical identity theft. Here’s a link to a booklet  about protecting yourself and Medicare from fraud. See more information at:

https://www.medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/10111-Protecting-Yourself-and-Medicare.pdf

More contact information if you have a concern:

• • HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) Hotline:
    • Phone: 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477).
    • TTY: 1-800-377-4950.
  • Medicare:
    • Phone: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
  • Other Resources:

• • • Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP): 1-877-808-2468.
    • Nebraska SHIP: 1-800-234-7119.