Medicare Genetic Testing and 'Free' Equipment Scams

“Free” is the hook. A caller, a booth at a health fair or a visitor at your door offers a genetic test, a cheek swab or a cancer screening at no cost to you, covered by Medicare. All they need is your Medicare number. That request is the warning sign of a Medicare genetic testing scam.

This guide covers offers of tests and equipment. To learn how criminals use a stolen number and how to protect it, see how to protect your Medicare number, and for an overview, our guide to Medicare and health insurance scams.

What is a Medicare genetic testing scam?

It is a scheme to get your Medicare information by offering a test you don’t need. The HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) says fraudsters contact people by phone, set up booths at public events and health fairs, or go door to door, offering “free” screenings or cheek swabs for genetic testing.

If you agree, or just confirm your personal information, you may get a cheek swab, an in-person screening or a test kit in the mail, even though no doctor ordered it and it isn’t medically necessary. HHS-OIG says the information they collect can be used for identity theft or fraudulent billing.

EXAMPLE — SCAM

Today 1:15 PM●●● ▮

Incoming call (877) 555-0145

Caller: Hi, I’m calling from Family Health Screening. Because you’re on Medicare, you qualify for a free genetic cancer screening kit. Medicare covers it in full.

Caller: I just need your Medicare number and date of birth so we can mail the kit today.

How do “free” back brace and equipment offers work?

The same way. The FTC gives charges for a back brace you didn’t get or need as an example of Medicare fraud. A caller says you qualify for a brace, supplies or another device “covered by Medicare,” and asks for your number. Medicare can then be billed in your name for equipment you didn’t get or need.

Why do scammers want your Medicare number?

Because it lets them bill Medicare. The FTC says fraud, errors and abuse cost Medicare about $60 billion a year, and that Medicare fraud can contribute to medical identity theft, loss of benefits and higher medical costs. HHS-OIG adds that compromised information may be used in other fraud schemes.

There is a personal cost, too. HHS-OIG warns that if Medicare denies the claim, you could owe the entire cost of the test, which could be thousands of dollars.

How can you spot charges for tests you never had?

Read every Medicare statement. Medicare.gov suggests comparing the dates and services on your statements with your own calendar to make sure you received each service listed. Look for:

• Genetic or lab tests your doctor never ordered.
• Braces, supplies or equipment you didn’t ask for.
• Providers or companies you don’t recognize.

HHS-OIG’s simplest rule: only a doctor you know and trust should approve genetic testing, and you shouldn’t give your Medicare number to anyone except your physician’s office.

Where do you report Medicare fraud?

• HHS Office of Inspector General: tips.hhs.gov or 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477), TTY 1-800-377-4950.
• 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), or report online at Medicare.gov.
• Senior Medicare Patrol: the FTC lists the number as 1-877-808-2468, for free help checking a suspicious charge.

If a caller already has your number, see what to do in the first five minutes of a “Medicare” call. If you paid anything or shared bank details, follow our first-hour checklist after a scam, and see how to report a scam call.