Seniors can help protect themselves from health care scams         

[April 13, 2007]  SPRINGFIELD -- The Area Agency on Aging for Lincolnland has joined AgeOptions and the Illinois Senior Medicare Patrol Program in efforts to help seniors be aware of fraudulent activities and how to protect themselves from becoming victims of health care fraud.

The program offers the following tips to help prevent health care fraud:

Keep the following personal information safe and available only to oneself or a trusted caregiver:

• Social Security number

• Medicare or Medicaid number

• Mother's maiden name

• Date of birth

• Credit card and checking account numbers

Always double-check Medicare summary notices and health care billing statements for accuracy. A Medicare summary notice is mailed to beneficiaries after an individual receives medical care and is stamped "This is NOT a bill." Look for these things on the billing statement:

• Charges for special equipment, services or medicine that were not received

• Billing for the same service twice

• Services that were not ordered by the doctor
  

Take action! If someone suspects fraud, error or abuse related to health, gather the facts and notify the Area Agency on Aging for Lincolnland at 217-787-9234 or 800-252-2918.

The Senior Medicare Patrol Program is a program of AgeOptions in partnership with the Area Agency on Aging for Lincolnland and other Illinois Area Agencies on Aging. Funding is provided by the United States Administration on Aging.

[Text from file received from the Area Agency on Aging for Lincolnland]