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Protect Yourself from Health Care Fraud

The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and Medi-Cal Rx are aware of scam callers impersonating government agencies and attempting to obtain protected health information or other sensitive personal information.

Three Tips to Help Prevent Health Care Fraud

  1. Protect Your Benefits Identification Card (BIC) and Personal Information
    • Do not share personal information with callers you do not know or trust. This includes your health insurance information, Social Security Number, banking information, or other sensitive data.
    • Be aware of common fraud schemes, including
      • Callers posing as representatives from DHCS or the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to obtain protected health information or other sensitive information
      • Telephone sales pitches offering “free” goods, services, or medical equipment.
      • Online surveys or questionnaires that request personal or financial information
    • Never give your BIC to anyone else or allow others to use your health care benefits.
  2. Review Your Health Care Statements and Bills
    • Carefully review your health care statements and insurance documents.
    • Make sure you are not being billed for services, prescriptions, or equipment you did not receive.
  3. Take and Active Role in Your Care
    • Be cautious if a provider attempts to restrict where you can fill your prescriptions.
    • Protect your financial information. If you provide credit or debit information, regularly review your bank statements to ensure all charges are accurate.
    • Do not feel pressured to accept medications, treatments, or services that make you uncomfortable or that you do not need. If you have concerns, consider seeking a second opinion.

If You Suspect Fraud, Waste, or Abuse

If you believe you have been targeted by a scam or have witnessed fraud, waste, or abuse involving Medi-Cal services, report it immediately:

Additional Assistance

  • For questions about your Medi-Cal Rx benefits or coverage, contact the Medi-Cal Rx Customer Service Center at 1-800-977-2273. Representatives are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.