Medicare fraud costs billions of dollars each year and can directly harm beneficiaries through identity theft, improper charges, and loss of benefits. New Mexico seniors should know how to recognize and report Medicare fraud to protect themselves.
Common Medicare Scams
- Unsolicited calls or door-to-door visits asking for your Medicare number
- Offers for "free" medical equipment or tests in exchange for your Medicare ID
- Fake Medicare representatives claiming you need a new card and asking for personal information
- Billing for services not received — review your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) for charges you don't recognize
- Enrollment scams — someone claims to enroll you in a plan without your consent
How to Protect Yourself
- Never share your Medicare number with anyone who contacts you unsolicited
- Medicare will never call you to sell plans or ask for payment over the phone
- Review your Medicare Summary Notices and Explanation of Benefits carefully
- Guard your Medicare card like a credit card
- Only work with licensed insurance agents — check an agent's license with the New Mexico Office of Superintendent of Insurance or the NAIC license lookup
How to Report Medicare Fraud in New Mexico
| Resource | Contact |
|---|---|
| Medicare Fraud Hotline (OIG) | 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477) |
| 1-800-MEDICARE | 1-800-633-4227 |
| NM Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) | 1-800-432-2080 |
| NM Attorney General | 1-844-255-9210 |
| National Elder Fraud Hotline | 1-833-FRAUD-11 |
Work With Trusted, Licensed Agents
When you need help with Medicare, always work with a licensed insurance agent. Before you share personal information, check the agent's license with the New Mexico Office of Superintendent of Insurance or the NAIC license lookup.