Healthcare insurance is an investment in your health. The Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) is a free, confidential service of the State of Iowa that assists Iowans in making informed decisions about Medicare coverage. SHIIP also helps Iowans spot and report Medicare fraud. Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP), like SHIIP, falls under the Iowa Insurance Division and helps Iowans spot and report Medicare fraud.
| Enrollment Scams | These are common whenever it is time to renew or enroll in Medicare or Medicaid health plans. Con artists might go door-to-door or use email and phone calls to try to enroll Iowans in false or inappropriate Medicare coverage plans. |
| False Billing | False billing occurs when Medicare is charged on your behalf for services, procedures or products you did not receive. These charges will appear on your monthly statements. |
| Medicare Mail Fraud | Medicare mail fraud occurs when fraudsters send fraudulent mail that imitates Medicare mailings in order to steal your personal financial information and/or Medicare number. If any mailing you receive looks suspicious, don’t hesitate to report it. |
| Medicare Number Theft | This can happen in a number of ways, but the most common instances occur when someone steals your Medicare card or you receive a phone call requesting your Medicare number and personal financial information to provide you with a “new” or “updated” Medicare card. |
For more information go to www.iowafraudfighters.gov
