CMS Product No. 11610

Revised August 2018

You're the first line 

of defense against 

Medicare fraud 

and abuse.

for Fighting 

4

Medicare Fraud

R Record

Report

Review

Remember

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CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES
You’re the first line of defense against Medicare fraud and abuse. 

Here are some ways you can protect yourself, your loved ones, 

and Medicare from fraud: 

1. Record

• Record the dates of doctor’s appointments on a calendar. 

Note the tests and services you get, and save the receipts and 

statements from your providers. If you need help recording the 

dates and services, ask a friend or family member. 

• Contact your local Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program to get 

a free Personal Health Care Journal. To locate the SMP program 

in your area, use the SMP locator at smpresource.org, or call 

1-877-808-2468. 

2. Review

• Look for signs of fraud, including claims you don’t recognize on 

your "Medicare Summary Notices" (MSNs), and advertisements 

or phone calls from companies offering free items or services to 

people with Medicare. If you have Original Medicare, you’ll get a 

“Medicare Summary Notice” (MSN) in the mail every 3 months 

that lists all the services billed to Medicare.

• Compare the dates and services on your calendar with your 

MSNs to make sure you got each service listed and that all the 

details are correct. If you find items listed in your claims that 

you don’t have a record of, it’s possible that you or Medicare may 

have been billed for services or items you didn’t get.

• Visit MyMedicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE 

(1-800-633-4227) to review your Medicare claims. TTY users can 

call 1-877-486-2048. If you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan (like 

an HMO or PPO) or Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, call your 

plan for more information about a claim.

• Get help from your local SMP program with checking your 

MSNs for errors or suspected fraud.

3. Report

• Report suspected Medicare fraud by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. When 

using the automated phone system, have your Medicare card with you 

and clearly speak or enter your Medicare number and letter(s).

• You can also report fraud to the Office of the Inspector General 

by visiting forms.oig.hhs.gov or by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS 

(1-800-447-8477). TTY users can call 1-800-377-4950. 

• If you identify errors or suspect fraud, the SMP can also help you 

make a report to Medicare.

4. Remember

• Protect your Medicare Number. Don’t give it out, except to your 

doctor or other health care provider. 

• Never give your Medicare Number in exchange for a special offer.

• Never let someone use your Medicare card, and never use another 

person’s card. 

To learn more about Medicare fraud, and how to protect yourself and 

loved ones, visit Medicare.gov. You can also think about volunteering with 

the SMP program to help other people with Medicare and their caregivers 

identify and report suspected fraud and abuse.

You have the right to get Medicare information in an accessible format, 

like large print, Braille, or audio. You also have the right to file a complaint 

if you feel you've been discriminated against. Visit Medicare.gov/aboutus/nondiscrimination/accessibility-nondiscrimination.html, or call 

1-800-MEDICARE for more information. 

Paid for by the Department of Health & Human Services.