New Medicare or Medicaid Card? How to Prevent Fraud From Day One

Protect your number, spot scams, and act fast if something looks wrong

When a new Medicare or Medicaid card arrives, it is a good time to tighten your defenses against fraud. Your Medicare Beneficiary Identifier and your Medicaid ID are keys to your health coverage and to the payment system behind it. If someone else gets your numbers, they can submit false claims under your name, affect your care, and leave you with billing headaches. A few simple habits at the start will make misuse less likely and make it easier to correct problems quickly.

Start by securing the card and the number

Treat your Medicare and Medicaid numbers like you would a credit card number. Do not post a photo of your new card online. Store the card in a secure place and carry it only when you think you will need it for a visit or a new prescription. If you keep a photo or scan for convenience, use a locked phone or a secure password manager rather than a public photo album. Avoid writing your number on forms that do not need it. Many offices can verify eligibility electronically at the time of service.

Use providers you know and verify new ones

Fraud often begins with unsolicited contact. Be skeptical of calls, texts, emails, or door to door visits offering free medical equipment, genetic tests, or gift cards in exchange for your Medicare or Medicaid number. Do not share your number with anyone who contacts you first. If you need a new provider or durable medical equipment, start with your regular doctor, your plan’s directory, or your state Medicaid office’s provider search. For telehealth, confirm the company is in network before sharing a number.

Check statements and explanations of benefits

Review your Medicare Summary Notice or plan Explanation of Benefits every month. Look for services you did not receive, dates you were not seen, or providers you do not recognize. If something looks off, call the number on the statement and the provider’s office to ask questions. Keep notes of the date, time, and the person you spoke with. Save copies of letters and screenshots. Documentation makes it easier to unwind incorrect charges and to report suspected fraud if necessary.

Common situations that lead to trouble

New cards sometimes trigger waves of calls from scammers claiming that your old card is expired and that you must confirm your number to keep coverage active. In other cases, a company offers “no cost” braces, test kits, or supplies and asks for your number to ship them. The items may be billed at a high rate or never arrive, but a claim is filed anyway. Free health screenings at community events can also create risk if a vendor asks for your full beneficiary ID without a clear medical purpose or a direct referral from your doctor.

If you already shared your number or see a bad charge

Act quickly. Call your plan or Medicare at the number on your card and ask for a review of recent claims. Tell them if your number may have been exposed. Ask your providers to flag your account and to verify any upcoming orders. For Medicaid, contact your county Department of Social Services caseworker or the state Medicaid help line and explain what happened. If fraud is confirmed or strongly suspected, file a report with the appropriate agencies listed below. If you receive items you did not request, ask for return instructions and keep the shipping label and packing slip.

Quick checklist

• Keep your card and number secure and share only with trusted providers.
• Ignore unsolicited offers of “free” equipment, tests, or gift cards.
• Verify new providers through your plan or state directories before sharing information.
• Review statements monthly and question anything unfamiliar.
• Document calls, letters, and emails when you dispute a charge.
• Report suspected fraud to the agencies below.

Where to report problems

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General - Report Medicare fraud and abuse.
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services - Find contact information for Medicare help and report issues through 1-800-MEDICARE.
• NC Medicaid (NCDHHS) - Get help with Medicaid coverage issues and report suspected Medicaid fraud or misuse.
• NC Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division - File a complaint if a company misrepresents medical services or pressures you to share your number.
• Federal Trade Commission - Report imposter calls and health related scams targeting Medicare or Medicaid beneficiaries.

Protecting your Medicare or Medicaid number is a routine part of managing your health coverage. Secure the card, decline unsolicited offers, verify providers, and read your statements closely. If you see something that does not look right, contact your plan quickly and make a report. Early action limits damage, helps officials spot patterns, and keeps benefits available for the care you truly need.