Follow the "4 Rs"

Record your doctor appointments — dates and times — on a calendar. Note any tests, items and services you get, and save the receipts and statements from your providers. If you need help keeping track of dates and services, you can:

• Ask a friend or family member for help.
• Contact your local Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Program to get a free Personal Health Care Journal. Use the SMP locator at smpresource.org, or call 1-877-808-2468 to find the SMP program in your area.

Your claims and statements contain important information. When reviewing them, make sure you:

• Look for signs of fraud, including claims you don't recognize on your "Medicare Summary Notices" (MSNs) if you have Original Medicare, or similar statements from your plan if you have a Medicare Advantage or Medicare drug plan.
• Check your claims early — the sooner you find and report errors, the sooner you can help stop fraud. To get started, log into (or create) your secure Medicare account at Medicare.gov. There, you can get your Original Medicare claims as soon as they're processed. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.
• Check the receipts and statements you get from providers for mistakes. If you think a charge is incorrect and you know the provider, you may want to call their office to ask about it. They may help you better understand the services or supplies you got, or they may realize a billing error was made.
• Contact your local SMP program to get help checking your statements for errors or suspected fraud.

You can report suspected Medicare fraud by:

• Calling 1-800-MEDICARE. Have your Medicare card or Medicare Number and the claim or MSN ready.
• Contacting the Office of the Inspector General. Visit tips.oig.hhs.gov or call 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477). TTY users can call 1-800-377-4950.

There are things you can do to protect yourself from Medicare fraud:

• Guard your Medicare card like it's a credit card. Don't give your Medicare card, Medicare Number, Social Security card or Social Security Number to anyone except your doctor or people you know should have it.
• Never give your Medicare Number in exchange for money, gifts, or for special offers from companies — like free medical care or equipment.
• Never let someone use your Medicare card, and never use another person's card.
• Ask questions if you aren't sure of something. You have the right to know everything about your medical care, including costs billed to Medicare.