Abuse and neglect are not the only issues that you need to look out for if you hire a home health aide or place your loved one in a nursing home. Financial exploitation is also common when it comes to elderly people. One common type of financial exploitation that your loved one could be a victim of is insurance fraud. Read on for more information.
People might target your loved one for health insurance fraud. Due to your loved one’s medical needs, companies or nursing home employees might try to take advantage of the situation. Here are some ways that you can recognize health insurance fraud if it is happening.
1. Company Provides False Information
If a company approaches your loved one with an insurance proposition that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Make sure that you look into the company before taking any further steps. If you find that a representative lied to you or your loved one, they might try to scam you.
2. False Records
Similarly, if you see false records, you should feel weary about signing any documents with a company.
3. Illegal Kickbacks
Any illegal activity, especially related to kickbacks, should be treated with extreme caution.
4. Lack Of A Bill Of Service
If your loved one gets treated for an illness, but you never receive a copy of the bill, you should start asking questions.
5. Low Premiums
Low premiums are oftentimes too good to be true. Make sure that you do a thorough analysis of what you are obligated to pay if you sign up with a company.
6. Personal Injury Bills
Make sure that you get the correct amount for doctor’s visit bills. If you get involved in a personal injury case, these bills might get paid through compensation.
7. Pressure To Sign A Document
Your loved one should never sign a document that he or she has not read over. It’s even better if a lawyer can read the document and explain it to you and your family. Do not let anyone pressure your loved one into signing something that he or she does not understand.
8. Staff Members Asking For Personal Information
Individual staff members do not need your loved one’s personal information, such as social security number, pin number, or information about bank accounts. If a staff member tries to get this information from your loved one, he or she might take your loved one’s personal information for fraudulent use.
9. Suspicious Loss Indicators
Any suspicious loss indicators should be looked at closely.
10. Suspicious Billing
Billing less or more than a service costs should be considered in an effort to prevent insurance fraud.
Health insurance fraud against the elderly is a serious crime. For more information, please visit the other pages in this section of our website.
