Concerns raised regarding Medicare fraud scheme

EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) — Questions and concerns are being raised about a potential Medicare fraud scheme in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

People have reached out to the I-Team claiming they received notices from Medicare that bills for medical services and products were submitted in their names by a New York-based medical supply company.

The problem is that people say they never required these services and say it’s the same company that tried to scam Medicare earlier this year .

To read the entire statement from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, click here .

The I-Team Andy Mehalshick is working the story and reports tonight on 28/22 News.

People have once again reached out to the I-Team for the second time this year about what appears to be Medicare fraud.

They are concerned their personal information has been stolen and used to bill Medicare for things they never needed or received.

I-Team Reporter Andy mehalshick is working the story and here’s what he found.

“Something has to be hacked or something from Medicare in order for them to be submitting all our names that are getting these notices a second time,” said Wilkes-Barre resident Linda Joseph.

Linda Joseph says she couldn’t believe she received a Medicare billing summary that shows a New York based company billing Medicare to the tune of tens of thousands of dollars using her name and personal information for services and products that she never used or needed.

We first met Linda in February when the same company used the same tactics using her name.

“My concerns is not only the fact that nothing’s been done to investigate the company and stop this, but the other question is how do they have our Medicare information and our numbers to be able to submit these claims,” wondered Joseph.

I’m going to call the New York based company about these bills, the medical bills, and see what they have to say. The number dialed is not in service. Please call the number and dial again.

Medicare officials told the I-Team in February and today that they cannot comment on ongoing investigations, but are taking steps to intercept these alleged fraud schemes.

Congressman Matt Cartwright (D) tells this 28/22 News his office is working with federal officials on this alleged fraud.

“There is an active investigation underway and health and human services and inspector general has taken immediate action to reduce improper payments, and ensure that taxpayer dollars are directed towards he care of senior citizens. This means even though a claim may publicly show up as paid, the money has not necessarily been released.”

– Rep. Cartwright (D) 8th District.

The I-Team is still working this story.

We have information from Medicare officials on what you should do if you suspect Medicare fraud, and steps you can take to reduce the chances of being a target of fraud.

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