Lisa Dalga of Ohio Senior Medicare Patrol: 'Medical identity theft is a billion-dollar industry, and scammers are good at their jobs'

The Ohio Senior Medicare Patrol announced in a recent press release that it is partnering with Ohio Area Agencies on Aging to help seniors avoid identity theft and Medicare fraud.

“Medical identity theft is a billion-dollar industry, and scammers are good at their jobs,” Lisa Dalga, project manager for the Ohio Senior Medicare Patrol, said in the press release. “People are often embarrassed after succumbing to a scam and reluctant to report it or get help.

"Our new partnership with district AAAs, a trusted source for older adults, will enable us to educate people across Ohio on how to identify medical identity theft scams, how to keep themselves protected and how to report when they suspect fraudulent activity on their Medicare account," she said. "Fraud happens to everyone, and it is nothing to be ashamed about.”

Representatives from the AAAs across many Ohio counties will begin teaching people about this type of fraud in late July, the news release said. Information to be shared includes clues that your medical identity may be compromised, including receiving boxes of braces, testing kits, or other medical supplies in the mail that you did not request; being contacted by a debt collection company for a provider bill that you do not owe; and being asked to give your Medicare number after receiving calls about “free” services or products, the news release said.

The release listed these ways to prevent medical identity theft: Never give out your Medicare number to anyone other than your doctor, health care provider, or other trusted representative. Understand that Medicare and Social Security already have your Medicare and Social Security numbers and will not initiate a call to you. Be cautious of anyone who comes to your door offering “free” testing, treatments, or supplies for genetic diseases, cancer, or the coronavirus. Be cautious when purchasing medical supplies from unverified or unknown sources, including online advertisements and email/phone solicitations.

What to do if you suspect fraud: Check your medical summary notices for visits, equipment or services you did not approve. If you gave out your Medicare number, it is now considered compromised. Call the Ohio Senior Medicare Patrol at 800-488-6070. It can help you identify suspected fraud on your account as well as help you request a new Medicare number, the news release says.