Keep Them Safe
Caregiving 101 | Play Defense | Go on Offense | Ask for Help
Play Defense
Here are the steps you can take to protect your parents from fraudulent health-care schemes:
- Read and understand the fine print of all policies and billings.
- Never sign blank insurance claim forms.
- Never give blanket authorization for a health-care provider to bill for services.
- Ask the health-care provider what they will charge and what your parents can expect to pay out-of-pocket.
- Examine closely your insurer's explanation of the benefits statement. Call the insurer and/or the health-care provider if you have questions.
- Don’t do business with door-to-door or telephone salespeople, especially those offering “free” medical equipment.
- Give your Medicare and other insurance identification only to those who provided medical services.
- Keep accurate records of health-care appointments.
- Find out if your physician ordered equipment for you.