WASHINGTON, May 2, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- One of the biggest scams targeting
Medicare beneficiaries in the last decade has been the genetic
testing scam. Recently, the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) has seen
an increase in genetic testing complaints. Across the nation,
genetic testing company representatives are offering "free" genetic
tests, also referred to as DNA screenings, cancer screenings, and
hereditary testing, in exchange for the beneficiaries' Medicare
numbers.
Beneficiaries are getting calls about genetic tests claiming
that the results will help them avoid or detect diseases like
cancer or Alzheimer's. The SMP has also received reports of genetic
testing claims on Medicare statements when the beneficiaries never
received any contact about genetic testing. It is incredibly
important to review your Medicare statements and report these
claims.
The genetic testing scam can be dangerous. "Scammers can steal
people's medical identity and falsely bill Medicare (around
$10,000 a claim), draining the
Medicare program. Additionally, tests ordered under these
circumstances could lead to confusion and inaccurate medical
records," said Nicole Liebau, SMP
Resource Center director.
The SMP recommends that Medicare beneficiaries:
- Go to their own doctor to assess their condition, not a doctor
on the phone they've never met from a company they don't know.
- Always read their Medicare statements. The words "gene
analysis" or "molecular pathology" as service codes may indicate
questionable genetic testing. More information about reading
Medicare statements can be found at
smpresource.org/you-can-help/read-your-medicare-statements/.
- Be suspicious of anyone who calls them requesting health care
information or confirmation of their Medicare number.
- Contact their local SMP for help. SMPs empower and assist
Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to prevent,
detect, and report health care fraud, errors, and
abuse.
The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) is ready to
provide you with the information you need to PROTECT yourself from
Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse; DETECT
potential fraud, errors, and abuse; and
REPORT your concerns. SMPs help educate and empower
Medicare beneficiaries in the fight against health care
fraud. Your SMP can help you with
your questions, concerns, or complaints about potential
fraud and abuse issues. It also provides
information and educational presentations. To locate the local
Senior Medicare Patrol, contact 1-877-808-2468 or go to
www.smpresource.org.
SMP Resource Center
Nicole Liebau
319-284-0702
nliebau@smpresource.org
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SOURCE SMP Resource Center