The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General is alerting the public about a fraud scheme involving genetic testing. Genetic testing fraud occurs when Medicare is billed for a test or screening that was not medically necessary and/or was not ordered by a Medicare beneficiary’s treating physician.
Scammers are offering Medicare beneficiaries ‘free’ screenings or cheek swabs for genetic testing to obtain their Medicare information for identity theft or fraudulent billing purposes. Fraudsters are targeting beneficiaries through telemarketing calls, booths at public events, health fairs, and door-to-door visits.
Beneficiaries who agree to genetic testing or verify personal or Medicare information may receive a cheek swab, an in-person screening or a testing kit in the mail, even if it is not ordered by a physician or medically necessary. If Medicare denies the claim, the beneficiary could be responsible for the entire cost of the test, which could be thousands of dollars.
Protect yourself with the following tips:
• If a genetic testing kit is mailed to you, don’t accept it unless it was ordered by your physician. Refuse the delivery or return it. Keep a record of the sender’s name and the date you returned the items.
• Be suspicious of anyone who offers you ‘free’ genetic testing and then asks for your Medicare number. If your information is compromised, it may be used in other fraud schemes.
• A physician that you know and trust should assess your condition and approve genetic testing.
• Medicare beneficiaries should be cautious of unsolicited requests for their Medicare number. If anyone other than your physician’s office requests your information, do not provide it. If you suspect Medicare fraud, contact the HHS OIG Hot line at 1-800-447-8477.