BOISE ID (January 18, 2012) – Every U.S. citizen older than 65 qualifies for Medicare, making Medicare/health insurance fraud one of the most common scam targeting seniors in 2011, according to the National Council on Aging.  

“Scammers know this; criminals do not have to do research to find their victims,” says Idaho Department of Insurance Director Bill Deal. “Medicare beneficiaries are easy prey. Most beneficiaries have a supplemental policy that picks up what Medicare does not pay leaving seniors vulnerable to pitches for services or equipment.”

The Department has the following tips for consumers, especially seniors:

• · Be suspicious of salespeople trying to sell you something they claim will be paid for by Medicare

• · Avoid telemarketing calls for medical goods, such as diabetes test strips or wheelchairs

• · Know if your physician has ordered equipment for you

• · Review Medicare Summary Notices to be sure the services listed have been received

• · Report suspicious activities or charges to the Medicare Medicaid Assistance Program at 800-803-7174

Medicare loses an estimated $50 billion a year nationally to health care swindlers.

Idahoans with questions about Medicare can contact the Department’s Senior Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) office at 800-247-4422. The list of top ten senior scams can be found on the National Council on Aging website.