Medicare Fraud Alert: Older Americans Are Targeted by Rising Genetic Testing Scams

CAPITAL REGION, NY (WRGB) — Medicare watchdog groups are sounding the alarm for a new senior fraud on the rise, genetic testing.

For these scams seniors may be told these tests are “free” or “at no cost to you”.

Scammers may entice you by saying it’ll help detect any diseases, cancers, autoimmune diseases and other diagnoses. “The key is that you should always consult with your doctor, the doctor that knows you personally and the doctor that knows your history and you have history with,” said Maria Alvarez, Executive Director of New York Statewide Senior Action Council.

Signs to keep an eye out for are if a company arranges a “telemedicine” consultation with an unfamiliar doctor to order the test.

Advocates recommend checking your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or Explanation of Benefits (EOB); if it shows charges for genetic tests you never requested or received, call Medicare. You may also see charges for pharmacogenetics tests unrelated to your prescriptions.

Lastly, if someone requests your Medicare number at health fairs, senior centers, assisted living facilities, farmers markets, parking lots or church-sponsored events.

Watch dogs want seniors and families to know, Medicare rarely pays for these kinds of tests.

“Let’s say that these companies charge, try to bill Medicare for these tests and Medicare says no, they might want you to pay for it, have the patient pay for that and you might be out between $9,000 and $11,000,” added Alvarez.

If you believe you’ve been contacted by a scammer or suspect Medicare fraud, you can report it to Medicare directly through their website, or call 1-800-633-4227.