Don't be a victim of a healthcare scam

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE A VICTIM OF A SCAM

HOW TO IDENTIFY HEALTHCARE SCAMS

1. Learn how to spot a healthcare scam - look for these red flags:
   
   
   

   • One product does it all: Be suspicious of products that claim to cure a wide range of diseases. For example, if a dietary supplement claims to treat dementia, kidney disease, gangrene, depression, osteoarthritis, and cancer, it is probably a scam.
     
     
   • Ads include personal testimonials: Success stories, such as, "It cured my diabetes" or "My tumors are gone," are easy to make up and are not a substitute for scientific evidence.
     
     
   • Quick fixes: Beware of phrases like, "Lose 30 pounds in 30 days" or "eliminates skin cancer in days."
     
     
   • "Miracle cure": Be skeptical if you see this claim or others like it such as, "new discovery," "scientific breakthrough" or "secret ingredient." If a real cure for a serious disease were discovered, it would be in the news and used by doctors - not buried in print ads, on TV commercials, emails or websites.
     
     
   • Conspiracy theories: Claims like "They don't want you to know about this miracle cure," are used to distract consumers from asking common-sense questions about the so-called miracle cure.
     
     
   
   
2. Learn how to spot medical identity theft

   Healthcare scams can also involve health and financial information, such as theft of MediCal, Medicare and social security numbers. You may be a victim of healthcare fraud if:

   • You get a bill for services you didn't receive: Debt collectors could come after you for the scammer's unpaid medical debts. Your credit could suffer if medical bills are not paid.
     
     

     
   • Someone is using your identity and information to get healthcare services: If someone uses your name to obtain medical services, their medical information may end up in your file. If they take different medicines or have different allergies or conditions it could lead to you receiving the wrong care
     
     
   • Your name is used fraudulently to get payments from health insurance companies and government programs such as Medicare: Scammers may obtain prescription medications using your information and then sell them on the black market. They may submit false claims for medical treatment, exams, or even surgeries.
     
     
   • You go to fill a prescription and find that you have already reached your allowance for that month because someone else has used your health information.
     
     
   • Get help. If you have been a victim of medical identity theft, you can get help here.
     
     
   
   
3. Take steps to find out if you have been a victim of health care fraud
   
   
   • Check your credit report. You're entitled to a free report from three companies every 12 months. Order online from annualcreditreport.com, the only authorized website for free credit reports, or call 1-877-322-8228. You can learn more about credit reports  from the Federal Trade Commission webpage and video.
     

     
     
     
   • Check with your insurance company. Contact your health insurance company at least once a year for a list of the benefits they paid in your name.
     
     
   • Understand the "Explanation of Benefits" (EOB) statement that your health insurer sends to you after they have received a claim to pay for a health care service. Your EOB gives you information about how an insurance claim from a health provider (such as a doctor or hospital) was paid on your behalf. When you receive it, review it right away. If you find something incorrect on your explanation of benefits statement, call the patient customer service number right away. Here are some tips for understanding your EOB.
     
     
   • Know where to get reliable products and services
     
     
     • Medicines: Counterfeit drugs may be packaged to look like medicines. They may be sold on websites, and by local grocery stores, botanicas, swap meets, and even street vendors. Only obtain prescription medications from a licensed pharmacist.
     • Dietary supplements, vitamins and alternative medicines: Talk to your doctor first. Here are some tips.
     • Get information about medical discount plans before you buy: Learn the difference between insurance and discount plans. With a medical discount plan, you generally pay a monthly fee to get discounts on specific services or products from a list of participating providers. Medical discount plans don’t pay your health care costs.
     • Health Insurance: Learn about health insurance options at www.coveredca.com. Los Angeles County residents who are not insured can obtain information about coverage options and free and low cost health care programs at the Department of Health Services website.
     
     
     
     

     You can also call 2-1-1 or visit the 211 webpage for help finding insurance and health services. 2-1-1 is free and the operators speak 9 languages.

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