Is your office getting ready for the start of ObamaCare October 1, 2013. Be prepared for your patients to be inundated with calls from fraudsters trying to use the new law to steal their personal information.
“Warning to seniors on Medicare: If someone asks for your personal information for a state insurance exchange under the new health care law, he’s probably a crook. Those exchanges don’t apply to seniors.
No consumer, young or old, should give out medical information or pay up-front “enrollment” fees, the government says.
Those are just two of the scams that federal officials anticipate as state insurance exchanges ramp up under the Affordable Care Act, the official name of the law many call ObamaCare….
A toll-free telephone number (800-318-2596, TTY 855-889-4325) will connect consumers to federal call centers for reporting fraud or attempted identity theft. Officials also plan to promote several other initiatives, including a new computer system that will verify Americans’ identities to prevent taxpayer-funded subsidies from going to criminals. An education blitz will seek to warn consumers what scams to be on the lookout for.”
Associated Press, September 18, 2013
Helping your patients from fraudsters is a difficult task. Every office should start with training their staff to know 1) who qualifies for ObamaCare; 2) that Medicare is not changing, and 3) where a patient can call if they suspect a fraudster: 800-318-2596.
Remember if a patient already has health insurance coverage through their employer ObamaCare will not affect them. It is only those patients who currently do not have insurance and meet the income requirements that will be eligible. Knowing these few facts may save a patient from a fraudster who is trying to steal their identity or money.
Putting information in the waiting and patient rooms regarding potential fraud will be greatly appreciated by patients and their families. The basic rule for patients is to refuse to give out any information to anyone who contacts a patient on the phone regarding their healthcare or health insurance. It’s likely a fraudster.
How are you preparing to assist your patients to avoid fraudsters? Share your ideas with us by clicking on the comment button below. We’d love to hear from you.
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