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Woman reports alleged Medicare fraud
A Rosharon woman says she keeps reporting fraudulent charges to Medicare, but says it appears the government is doing nothing to stop the fraud. FOX 26's Randy Wallace spoke with the woman.
HOUSTON - A Medicare recipient is raising concerns about potential fraud after discovering thousands of dollars in charges for medical equipment she says she never needed—despite reporting the issue to federal officials months ago.
Texas woman sounding the alarm on Medicare fraud regarding her account
What they're saying:
Cindy Kovalchuk carefully reads her Medicare statement and advises other Medicare recipients to do the same.
In her March statement, a medical device company based in Coral Gables, Florida charged her Medicare number six times for catheters Cindy says she didn't need and never received. The cost? More than $10,000.
It wasn't the first time she says she spotted fraud on her statement and reported it.
Now, she's left to wonder why the fraudulent charges continue when she says she reported it to the Medicare fraud hotline back in December.
Medicare fraud is a crime as taxpayers foot the bill for, that's why Cindy wants Medicare to act.
It's not clear if Medicare shares its findings with tipsters, but rewards for information are offered by the government.
We reached out to Medicare for comment, but have yet to hear back. FOX 26 also called the medical device company in Florida billing Cindy's Medicare asking about the charges and waiting for a return call.
What you can do:
You can report Medicare fraud to 1-800-Medicare or 1-800-633-4227.
The Source: FOX 26 Reporter Randy Wallace spoke with Cindy Kovalchuk.