Medical identity theft is serious business, and 1.5 million Americans are victims of Medical ID theft yearly.

The average cost to fix medical ID theft for someone is more than $20,000 per incident.

Medical ID theft occurs when someone steals personal information — such as your name and Medicare number-and uses the information to get medical treatment, prescription drugs, surgery, or other services and then bills Medicare for it.

Please be sure to review your Medicare Summary Notice and your Explanation of Benefits Statements, and medical bills for suspicious charges.

If you find incorrect information, insist it is correct or removed.

Our next patients’ rights phone teach in is Tuesday, June 25. Kathy Holt, associate director from the Center for Medicare Advocacy will discuss Medicare Home Benefits. The teach in is from 10-11 a.m., please call 1-800-333-4374 for the phone number and the access code.

If you would like to schedule a presentation on Health Care Fraud, give me a call at 1-800-333-4374 to schedule.