United Mobile Care Operators Accused of Health Care Fraud

Four people involved with a San Pierre ambulance service are among those facing criminal charges, following a nationwide crackdown on health care fraud. Edward T. Kerr Jr., Brenda Kerr, Mark K. Estrada, and Tammy Estrada are accused of submitting false claims to Medicare and Medicaid, leading to losses of over $100,000, according to a press release from U.S. Attorney Thomas Kirsch. The four were believed to be involved in the operation of United Mobile Care.

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Starke County EMS Works to Implement E-Filing of Claims

 
 

Starke County EMS will soon be submitting all of its claims electronically. Office Manager Mary Lynn Richie is transitioning from paper to electronic claims filing due to changes in Medicare and Medicaid billing policies. Now that those are set up, she’s working with Blue Cross Blue Shield to set up electronic filing. Richie told the Starke County Commissioners Tuesday that company is the county’s next biggest payer. Continue reading

Medicare Part D Open Enrollment Underway

 
 

With yearly open enrollment now underway, Hoosiers with Medicare Part D or an Advantage Plan are being urged to take a fresh look at their coverage. According to AARP spokesman Seth Boffeli, during the enrollment period, it’s important that all beneficiaries review their plans.

“Just take a look at what their coverage is, think about if it’s meeting their needs. See if there might be something that might cost a little less but cover just as much – and make those decisions. So, it’s an important time for seniors,” Boffeli said.

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Scammers Preying on Confusion Over Health Care Changes

  
 
Scam artists are taking advantage of changes in health care and open enrollment for those on Medicare in an attempt to steal from senior citizens. Indiana Senior Medicare Patrol Program Director Nancy Stone says current Medicare beneficiaries should not be getting calls about signing up for health care plans.

“What we always tell them is to just hang up. Don’t give out any personal information. Medicare will never call you. ‘Cause that’s what they say – sometimes they say they’re from Medicare – they want to confirm their information,” said Stone.

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