Illinois SMP Fraud Alert logo
March 25, 2019
"Free" Genetic Testing May Not Be Free
From our national network of SMP, AgeOptions had heard of genetic testing scams in other states and and we received our first report in Illinois earlier this month. This is a growing concern around the country that this scam will become more common.

Here is how the scam works: You attend a health fair or presentation where people offer "free" genetic testing/screenings for cancer and/or other diseases. Then they take your Medicare number.

What the business will do next is charge your Medicare account for the genetic testing services. You may or may not receive your test results, but if you read your MSN, you will see Medicare is charged a large amount of money for something you were told was ''free."

Always work with your doctor. If you need genetic testing, your doctor can order it for you and talk about the results with you.

If you've received genetic testing paid for by Medicare at a fair or presentation or notice something suspicious on your MSN, please contact the Illinois Senior Medicare Patrol at AgeOptions at (800)699-6043.

Healthcare Fraud Trend in Illinois
Scammers are always trying new ways to steal from older adults. One of the current trends we are seeing in Illinois involves a scammer calling over the phone claiming to be working for Medicare and convincing the beneficiary to provide their insurance ID number or Medicare number.

This scam was profiled in the Star Courier from Kewanee, Illinois, where you can read about how scammers took advantage of a woman as scammers posed Medicare during a phone call. You can read the whole article here.

If you suspect fraud or notice something suspicious on your Medicare Summary Notice or receive services or supplies that were not prescribed by your doctor,contact the Illinois SMP at AgeOptions at (800)699-9043.
Have a wonderful week!

Travis Trumitch
travis.trumitch@ageoptions.org
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This project was supported, in part by grant number 90MPPG0036, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official Administration for Community Living policy.
The Illinois SMP at AgeOptions partners with agencies across the state to empower and assist Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to prevent, detect, and report health care fraud, errors, and abuse through outreach, counseling, and education.

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