For Immediate Release:
March 23, 2026
OID Consumer Alert: Watch for Medicare Catheter Supply Scam
OKLAHOMA CITY— The Oklahoma Insurance Department’s Medicare Assistance Program (MAP) is warning Medicare beneficiaries about a growing scam involving medical supply billing.
Since January 1, 2026 12 Oklahomans on Medicare have reported their Medicare Summary Notices reflect charges for over 15,000 urinary catheters total, for which the total charges exceeded $135,000.00 and Medicare paid a total of $88,793.00.
Adding to the challenge is the fact that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is now mailing out Medicare Summary Notices every six months, as opposed to quarterly as they were in previous years. This means that people on Medicare may not see these false charges for several months, which delays any fraud report to Medicare.
How the Scam Works
- Scammers contact people through unsolicited phone calls, emails, or online ads to obtain Medicare numbers.
- They then bill Medicare for medical supplies that were never ordered or delivered.
- Claims may appear legitimate because they list a real or familiar provider’s name.
- Many people don’t realize anything is wrong until they review their Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or Explanation of Benefits (EOB).
How to Protect Yourself
- Review your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or Explanation of Benefits (EOB) carefully. This is often the only way to catch this type of fraud.
- Create a Medicare.gov account so you can see your claims information much sooner than waiting for the mailed Medicare Summary Notices. With a Medicare.gov account, you can see claims when they are processed instead of waiting six months.
- Do not assume a charge is correct just because a doctor’s name is listed.
- Never share your Medicare number or personal information with someone who contacts you unexpectedly.
- Report charges for items you did not receive or that were not ordered by your doctor.
Need Help?
If you see suspicious charges or think your Medicare number has been misused, contact the Oklahoma Insurance Department’s Medicare Assistance Program (MAP). Trained counselors can help you review your statements and report potential fraud.
Oklahoma MAP Helpline: 800-763-2828 or 405-521-6628 Website: map.oid.ok.gov
OID is committed to helping Oklahoma consumers protect themselves from fraud and understand their Medicare benefits.