Don't fall for health care related schemes

At this time of year when many people are re-enrolling in health care coverage, we see that scammers increase their activity. Univera Healthcare has several tips to help you avoid scammers and stay safe.

“All of us should be vigilant year-round, and even more so in the fall during open enrollment season, and be aware of the many types of health care fraud and scams,” said Kristine Gallivan, CISA, CISM, CDPSE, Director, Cyber Risk & Information Assurance.

“If you aren’t sure whether you’ve being scammed in some way, please check the list shared here,” said Meg Paris, AHFI, Corporate Director – Special Investigations Unit. “If you think you are the victim of health care fraud, call your insurer’s Fraud Hotline for further help, or use the listed resources for the other situations.”

Types of scams

Health/health insurance scams

• Review your health insurer’s Monthly Health Statement and watch for unauthorized charges.
• Be wary of phone calls from people who claim to be from your Health Plan and ask for your health insurance number or other personal information. Verify these calls by contacting your insurer’s Customer Service Department, by calling the phone number on your member ID card.
• Be wary of unsolicited calls from people offering free testing, medication, equipment or supplies. Typically, a scammer will use your personal information to bill your health insurance for these services or items, but never send you what was promised.

Telephone, email, and tech scams

• Hang up on robocalls - Don’t respond to any questions or press any numbers. Scammers use illegal robocalls to pitch everything from fake medical treatments to saying you won the lottery.
• Scammers specifically target older people on Medicare through
  “spoof” or robocalls.
• Avoid tech fraud - These criminals offer to help with non-existent technology-related issues, such as a compromised email or bank account, a computer virus, or a software license renewal, confusing people who lack technical knowledge. Many victims report being directed to make wire transfers to overseas accounts or purchase large amounts of prepaid cards. Additional information is available on FBI.gov.
• Ignore “out of the blue” texts from people you don’t know, don’t accept “friend” requests from unknown parties, and be skeptical of individuals urging fast action.
• Watch for fake websites, social media accounts, and email addresses claiming to sell medical supplies. When consumers attempt to purchase supplies through these channels, the scammers take the money and never provide the promised supplies.
• Not sure if it is a scam? Check the U.S. Federal Trade Commission website.

Medicare Member Security Tips

• Remember that Medicare and your current insurer will not call you uninvited asking for personal or private information. Also, free offers and giveaways like money or gift cards to enroll in a plan are often scams.
• Legitimate representatives of your health insurer or Medicare will not threaten to cancel your health benefits if you don't share your personal details.
• If a caller says they are from Univera Healthcare or a government agency, hang up and call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or your health insurer at the phone number on your member ID card.

If you suspect fraud related to your health insurance, contact your health insurer. At Univera Healthcare you can:

• Call our Fraud Hotline at 1-800-378-8024.
• You may also report possible fraud, waste, and abuse through a convenient online form.
• If you are a Medicare member, you can also contact the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to report potential fraud, waste and abuse.
• Please note that Univera Healthcare does contact you through print, email, and text communications, but you can contact us to verify who we are by calling the telephone number on your member ID card.
• Please note that ALL fraud, waste, and abuse referrals, whether made online or by phone, are CONFIDENTIAL and can be made ANONYMOUSLY.

Contact:
Kevin Kane Kevin.Kane@univerahealthcare.com