OTTUMWA, IOWA -- Medicare will soon be releasing an easy-to-read, easier to understand billing form for senior citizens.
The form is already available online at mymedicare.gov, and it will be released in paper form at the beginning of next year.
In addition to having larger print, the language and wording on the form is less complicated.
"They made it very clear, in typical language, not hospital jargon or doctor jargon, it's very simple English that everyone would be able to understand," said Joan Nydle, Information and Assistance and Family Caregiver Specialist at Seneca Area Agency on Aging.
Medicare will also be publicizing an extra incentive for seniors to review their forms carefully.
"When those new forms come out, they will say that if they capture someone doing the fraud, you may get up to $1,000 given to you, because you are helping to save billions of dollars," Nydle said. "They do that now, but it's just not publicized on any of their forms, but it will be."
Last year, over $4 billion was saved in the reporting of Medicare fraud.
The most common form of fraud involves billing or sending medical equipment, such as a wheelchair or diabetes supplies, to someone who did not order it or does not need it. Then, if those supplies do become necessary down the road, the consumer has a hard time getting the supplies ordered, since records show they were already sent.
Nydle suggested to save boxes, receipts, bills and any other records when supplies or medicine are fraudulently charged or sent to you. The best way to alleviate the situation is to take care of it immediately, and contact Medicare or Seneca to alert them of the problem.
Anyone with questions can contact Seneca at 682-2270 or 1-800-642-6522.