At Vero Orthopaedics, the well-being of our patients extends beyond clinical care. We want to ensure you have the necessary information to protect your personal and financial information.
We are sharing this information to educate our community about the growing threat of Medicare fraud and common scams to look out for. Here are a few things to know about Medicare fraud and how to avoid these scams.
The Rising Threat of Medicare Fraud
Medicare fraud is a significant issue, costing beneficiaries and the healthcare system billions of dollars annually.
Scammers often target older adults through deceptive phone calls, emails, and even door-to-door visits, attempting to steal Medicare numbers or trick individuals into accepting unnecessary services or equipment.
Knowing how scammers operate is your best defense against them.
Common Medicare Scams to Watch For
Fraudsters constantly adapt their tactics, but several common scams consistently target Medicare beneficiaries:
1. Free Lab Tests, Genetic Testing, and COVID-19 Scams
Be on alert for unsolicited phone calls offering a “free lab test”, especially those that mention genetic testing or COVID-19 testing. Scammers frequently target Medicare beneficiaries with calls claiming these lab tests are covered by Medicare. While they may sound legitimate, these offers are often a front to collect your Medicare number and bill the program for expensive, unnecessary, or even nonexistent lab services. If someone calls out of the blue about needing a lab test, it’s likely a scam. ( (Source: HHS OIG; BBB)
2. Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Scams
A prevalent scam involves unsolicited calls offering medical equipment, such as braces (like knee or back braces) or wheelchairs. Scammers may claim to have a prescription or medical necessity for the equipment, even if you haven’t requested it. If you accept the offer, Medicare is often billed for equipment that is medically unnecessary or never delivered.
3. The “Medicare Will Never” Scams
Medicare will never call you out of the blue to ask for your Medicare number, verify personal information, or offer free items in exchange for your information. If you receive such a call, hang up immediately. Medicare generally contacts beneficiaries by mail, not by phone. (Source: Medicare.gov; AARP)
Warning On Phone Number Spoofing
A particularly dangerous tactic is spoofing. Scammers can manipulate caller ID to make an incoming call appear to be from a government agency or even a trusted healthcare provider.
Do not be fooled by the caller ID. If someone calls unexpectedly claiming to be from your doctor or a government agency and asks for your Medicare number, do not provide it.
How to Protect Yourself
Your Medicare number is like a Social Security number or credit card number—it is valuable and should be protected.
Here are key steps you can take:
- Protect Your Medicare Number: Do not share your Medicare number or other personal information with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly by phone, email, or in person.
- Review Your EOBs: Always review your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or Explanation of Benefits (EOB). Look for charges for services you didn’t receive or equipment you didn’t order.
- Be Skeptical of “Free” Offers: Be cautious of anyone offering free medical supplies or services in exchange for your Medicare information.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect fraud, report it immediately.
Know Your Resources and How to Report Fraud
If you encounter a suspected scam or believe you have been a victim of Medicare fraud, immediate action is crucial.
How to Report:
- Call Medicare: You can report suspected fraud by calling Medicare’s toll-free number at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
- Contact HHS OIG: You can report potential fraud to the HHS Office of Inspector General (HHS OIG) Hotline.
- Report to the FTC: Report suspicious activity to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
At Vero Orthopaedics, we are dedicated to helping our patients maintain their health and security. By staying informed and vigilant, you can protect yourself and your Medicare benefits. If you need more information, take a look at the resources below.
List of Medicare Fraud Sources & Resources:
- HHS OIG Consumer Alerts (Genetic Testing, Brace Scam): [https://oig.hhs.gov/fraud/consumer-alerts/]
- FTC Consumer Alerts: [https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/06/your-medicare-number-valuable-protect-it] and [https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2019/03/protect-yourself-against-medicare-scams]
- Medicare.gov Reporting Fraud: [https://www.medicare.gov/basics/reporting-medicare-fraud-and-abuse]
- BBB Warning (Genetic Testing Scam): [https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/20457-bbb-warning-beware-of-genetic-testing-scam-hitting-florida]
- AARP Most Common Medicare Scams: [https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/most-common-medicare-scams/]
- FCC Medicare Scams and Spoofing: [https://www.fcc.gov/older-americans-and-medicare-scams]
