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Protect yourself from DME Fraud Medicare spends $8.4 billion dollars each year on durable medical equipment. Of the billions spent, at least $700 million is estimated to be wasted. Some of that waste is due to fraud. What is Durable Medical Equipment? Durable medical equipment, or “DME”, is medical equipment prescribed by your doctor that is reusable. It includes but is not limited to; back or knee braces, hos- pital beds, walkers, wheelchairs, scooters and prosthet- ics. Medicare only covers DME if you get it from a supplier enrolled in the Medicare program. Here are some examples of DME Fraud: - Suppliers who offer “free” equipment, but they bill Medicare - Suppliers who want to use “their” doctors (not yours), who then prescribe unnecessary medical equipment - Suppliers or doctors who charge for items you never received - Suppliers or doctors who provide medical equipment or supplies you never requested What can YOU do to stop DME Fraud? - Be sure your doctor has seen you in person and orders the equipment of supplies. - Never sign a blank form from your health care provider or equipment supplier. - If you rent and return medical equipment, al- ways get a dated receipt. - Do not accept services from strangers who call or knock on your door. - If you are not sure what to do you can call Senior Medicare Patrol toll-free at 1-877-872-8720 or you can visit www.stopmedicarefraud.org . Every beneficiary should become proactive in protecting against waste and abuse by carefully reviewing their Medicare Summary Notices or Explanation of Benefits. If you find something odd REPORT IT. Don’t let embar- rassment stop you from reporting Medicare fraud, scams or abuse. Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP): Call 18772728720 or visit www.stopmedicarefraud.org . Funded by the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL), Administration on Aging (AoA), Grant Number 90MP0194‐01‐01 www.southernsenior.info 5