In 2017, there were at least 71 high-profile cases of healthcare fraud and settlements that made the news in some way. They involve a wide range of crimes including false Medicare billing, illegal prescriptions for opioids and stimulants, and overcharging patients.
These frauds and scams can affect anyone, but unfortunately, older adults are often at greater risk. That’s why it’s vital to learn and recognize the signs of healthcare fraud. It’s a challenge, but making the effort can save your finances and more importantly, your life.
A List of Healthcare Fraud Types to Look Out For
Just about anything related to medical care can involve fraud, but there are few that stand out, especially when dealing with older adults. Some cause problems in a strictly financial sense, while others can have potentially life-threatening consequences.
Insurance Scams
Insurance scammers often target seniors because they don’t need to research who their victims’ insurance providers are. These scams typically involve door-to-door or over-the-phone solicitations. They usually catch their targets off-guard with convincing claims such as telling them they need new supplemental policies or a new Medicare card.
The Fix: The best way to fight this is to end the conversation with the solicitor. Rely instead on a family member, caregiver or a registered professional who assists you with your insurance and medical accounts.
Funeral & Cemetery Scams
Generally speaking, funeral and cemetery scammers take advantage of grieving family members. There are several forms of these scams. Some coerce family members to buy outrageously expensive caskets using bait-and-switch methods. Others try to squeeze money from their targets by claiming a deceased family member owes an outstanding debt which needs to be settled.
The Fix: The key to avoid a funeral scam is to do your research before buying into a particular funeral home. Make comparisons with other homes, and never give into claims that a loved one owes money (if they did, a funeral home isn’t the people who’d call you).
Counterfeit Prescription Drugs
One of the most dangerous healthcare scams, counterfeit prescription drugs can lead to serious illness or death. Since 2010, there have been 1,400 adverse reactions reported to the FDA. Counterfeit drug sellers target Americans age 50 or older, and are difficult to catch since many people take the drugs without feeling any effects (although they certainly get no benefit).
The Fix: Avoid buying medications from unverified online sites and stores – stick to trusted pharmaceutical chains instead. If cost is an issue, look for generic or biosimilar versions of a drug or memberships at supermarket chains such as Costco.
Anti-Aging Product Scams
Creams, lotions and potions which claim to fight the signs of aging often rely on deceptive advertising. These ads contain a combination of fraudulent tactics such as omitting legal terms and hidden payment details in fine print. For the latter, buyers of these products may provide credit card info, and victims of the scams may be charged hundreds of dollars without noticing.
The Fix: Read reviews or have family members/caregivers look into reviews, claims and complaints about these products. You’ll quickly learn whether a product is being marketed unethically or if it contains harmful ingredients.
Medical Identity Theft
Medical ID theft can take on almost any form. Criminals who engage in medical ID theft often do so with the intent to secure medical equipment, prescription drugs and other apparatus under someone else’s name. Older adults who are more trusting or willing to give up sensitive information are more likely to become victims of medical identity theft.
The Fix: Only submit information such as your Social Security Number, health card ID and banking info on sites that are verified. If you need help with this, consult your caregiver or your family members to pick out trustworthy websites.
Beware of Today’s Healthcare Fraud and Scams
As the population ages and technology spreads, the threat of healthcare fraud targeting seniors will continue. However, simple measures can keep you and those you love safe. The common theme with these crimes is to do your research before agreeing to anything, and to second-guess claims made by those whom you don’t know or don’t know you. By keeping these principles in mind, you’ll greatly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of a healthcare scam.