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Consumer Fraud - Warning Signs

Elderly Americans, who were raised in a more trusting, personal era, can be particularly vulnerable to some types of consumer fraud, especially if they live alone and are accessible to telemarketers because they are home often. At least three types of consumer fraud may be directed at the elderly population: that which is conducted in person, that which is conducted by telephone, and that which is conducted by mail. This article is designed to help separate legitimate opportunities offered through these avenues from those that may be fraudulent by educating consumers about the potential warning signs of fraud.

OVERVIEW OF ANNUITIES

Although they do not fit within the strict definition of insurance, annuity policies are now widely viewed as a form of insurance. However, the insurance aspect of an annuity basically goes to the fact that the annuitant will receive a guaranteed income payment (usually for the rest of his or her life). Annuities were not regarded as insurance at common law, but commercially issued annuity policies are now largely regulated by state insurance statutes. Some types of annuities such as variable annuities are securities that are regulated by the Securities Exchange Commission. Fixed annuities are not securities and are not regulated as such.

Medicare - Private Fee-for-Service Plans - Coverage and Cost

Some Medicare enrollees choose to receive their services through private fee-for-service plans offered by private insurance companies. Although these plans differ from the Original Medicare Plan, enrollees are still part of the Medicare system. This article discusses how private fee-for-service plans work, what costs are involved for enrollees, and what services are covered.

Medicare - Supplemental Health Insurance - Payment for Services and Proper Insurance Practices

When an individual has purchased a Medigap insurance policy to supplement Medicare coverage, how medical bills are paid depends upon two factors: whether the medical provider accepts Medicare and whether the individual has arranged for his or her Medigap insurance company to send claims directly to Medicare.

Medicare Fraud

Every year, Medicare is cheated out of millions of dollars due to fraud. Fraud includes billing Medicare for services never provided or for services different than those provided. It also includes using someone else's Medicare card to obtain health care.