A bill will go into effect on Nov. 1, 2024, increasing the punishment for Medicare fraud, abuse, or neglect toward an elderly individual.
Nancy Vitali goes to Life Senior Services every week. She checked her Medicare benefits and discovered she was a victim of Medicare fraud.
“Charges for $4,000 in urinary catheters, which I have never used in my life,” said Vitali.
She immediately reported it after finding multiple other charges to her account. Vitali couldn’t believe someone could do such a thing.
“Money that’s supposed to be going to care of senior citizens is going into the pockets of cheaters and crooks,” Vitali said.
According to the senior Medicare patrol, Vitali’s situation is part of the $60 billion in Medicare fraud that occurs annually.
That’s why Oklahoma lawmakers passed House Bill 3668, known as the Miller Bill, which increases the punishment for Medicaid and Medicare fraud.
“I’m very excited that the legislator cares enough to make sure that this stops happening,” said Vitali.