Medicare Fraud Is Closer Than You Think—We’re Here to Help You Spot It
From June 1–5, OSCU is joining the Oregon Cascades West Council of Governments to recognize Medicare Fraud Prevention Week and help bring more awareness to how Medicare fraud shows up in everyday life.
Because it often doesn’t look like fraud at all.
Each year, Medicare loses an estimated $60 billion to fraud, errors, and abuse.
But the bigger impact is what people experience day to day. A charge you don’t recognize. A box of medical supplies you didn’t order. A phone call asking for information that feels just a little off.
Fraud doesn’t have to be dramatic to be harmful.
Why this matters to us
At Oregon State Credit Union, financial well-being includes protecting what you’ve worked hard for.
By partnering with local organizations during Medicare Fraud Prevention Week, we’re helping make sure our members and communities have access to clear, practical information and support.
Because when people know what to look for, they’re better equipped to protect themselves—and each other.
What it can look like
Many Medicare scams are designed to feel routine or even helpful at first. That’s what makes them easy to miss.
Some of the most common examples include:
- Billing for services or equipment you never received
- “Free” medical equipment offers that result in Medicare being charged
- Unsolicited calls or ads asking for your Medicare number
- Unexpected deliveries of supplies you didn’t request
Once someone has your Medicare number, they may be able to bill repeatedly over time, sometimes before it’s ever noticed.
Support is closer than you think
If something doesn’t look right — or you just want peace of mind—you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
In Oregon and Washington, there are trusted, free programs available to help:
- SHIBA (Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance)
Offers one-on-one, unbiased help reviewing Medicare coverage and statements
- Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)
Helps prevent, detect, and report potential fraud
Whether something feels off or you want a second set of eyes, these programs can help you review your information, understand what you’re seeing, and take the next step with confidence.
Find local support near you
Oregon: ADRC — Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon
Washington: Medicare | Office of the Insurance Commissioner
