Government
HHS launches new efforts against medical fraud, identity theft
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Nov. 2, 2009
The Dept. of Health and Human Services on Oct. 15 released a new tip sheet aimed at helping Medicare beneficiaries deter and detect medical identity theft, as well as health care fraud.
The move is part of a joint effort by HHS and the Dept. of Justice to root out health care fraud. HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said in a statement that fighting health care fraud is one of President Obama's top priorities and that preventing medical identity theft is an important part of that crackdown.
The tip sheet warns seniors to be wary of offers for free medical services or supplies and to check their explanation of benefits statements and Medicare summary notices regularly. More information is available online (link).
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/11/02/gvbf1102.htm.












