The Missouri SMP (Senior Medicare Patrol) is focusing on providers who offer DNA or genetic testing to older adults and tell them that the service is free to Medicare beneficiaries.
Out-of-the-blue genetic or DNA testing is NOT free and is not routinely covered for all Medicare patients. If an individual offers you or someone you know such services, DO NOT go along with it.
Here is how the scheme works:
A provider offers an educational session to a group of seniors at a church, senior housing complex or senior center. The provider takes the participants’ Medicare numbers and does DNA swabs. The provider then bills Medicare for the services, which have not been deemed medically necessary and do not have a referral from a primary doctor. Providing contact information or anything else during an education session is OPTIONAL, and sign-up sheets should clearly state this.
In another scenario, the provider phones seniors and offers free DNA tests to be sent by mail. The older adults are instructed to swab their cheeks at home and return the kits. The caller gets the seniors’ Medicare numbers and emphasizes there will be NO charge to the beneficiaries.
DO NOT give out your Medicare number over the phone, in the mail or in a group setting in exchange for a promised free service.
DNA testing IS legitimately used by doctors at times to help determine how effective some medications might be in treating some patients. However, you should ask your primary care doctor or your specialist, who is familiar with your medical history, about such tests.
As always, report suspected Medicare fraud to the Missouri SMP at 1-888-515-6565.
This project was supported, in part by grant number 90MPPG0040, 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.
Every month Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) provides Aging Ahead with a Fraud Fact article. In fact these articles help older adults detect, protect and report medicare scams and fraud.
If you suspect Medicare fraud, errors or abuse, call the SMP hotline at 1-888-515-6565. Want to volunteer on Aging Aheads SMP team, give Jen Stuckenschneider a call at (636) 293-1696 for more information.