DNA cancer screening tables are a medicare scam
- Thread starter AcemanX007
- Start date
- 2,133
New scam uses DNA tests to steal identities, commit health care fraud | BenefitsPRO
In Kentucky, Attorney General Andy Beshear's office said this month that Louisville residents had reported people operating out of a van and offering to pay Medicaid recipients $20 for DNA swabs and their health insurance information.
In Nebraska, the state insurance commissioner's office said it had heard of questionable DNA swabbing in several communities. It warned on March 27 that it had "received multiple reports of groups going to senior living communities, assisted living communities and senior centers offering to swab the cheeks of seniors for genetic material purportedly for DNA checks for cancer."
Paying people to participate in medical tests and services would likely violate federal anti-kickback laws meant to stop fraud and abuse at government programs. It's not clear who is behind the reported activity in Kentucky and Nebraska, whether it's an organized group or individuals acting alone, and whether it is still ongoing.
In Kentucky, Attorney General Andy Beshear's office said this month that Louisville residents had reported people operating out of a van and offering to pay Medicaid recipients $20 for DNA swabs and their health insurance information.
In Nebraska, the state insurance commissioner's office said it had heard of questionable DNA swabbing in several communities. It warned on March 27 that it had "received multiple reports of groups going to senior living communities, assisted living communities and senior centers offering to swab the cheeks of seniors for genetic material purportedly for DNA checks for cancer."
Paying people to participate in medical tests and services would likely violate federal anti-kickback laws meant to stop fraud and abuse at government programs. It's not clear who is behind the reported activity in Kentucky and Nebraska, whether it's an organized group or individuals acting alone, and whether it is still ongoing.
- 30,535
In an Aetna e-mail today:
"Fraud alert: Genetic testing
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS OIG) is alerting the public about a fraud scheme involving genetic testing.
Scammers are offering Medicare beneficiaries 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. If a beneficiary agrees to genetic testing or verifies personal or Medicare information, a testing kit is sent even if it is not ordered by a physician or medically necessary.
Tips for your clients who may contact you
"Fraud alert: Genetic testing
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS OIG) is alerting the public about a fraud scheme involving genetic testing.
Scammers are offering Medicare beneficiaries 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. If a beneficiary agrees to genetic testing or verifies personal or Medicare information, a testing kit is sent even if it is not ordered by a physician or medically necessary.
Tips for your clients who may contact you
- If a genetic testing kit is mailed to your client, he/she shouldn't accept it unless it was ordered by his/her physician. They should refuse the delivery or return it to the sender and keep a record of the sender's name and the date he/she returned the items.
- Be suspicious of anyone who offers free genetic testing and then requests their Medicare number. If their personal information is compromised, it may be used in other fraud schemes.
- A physician that your client knows and trusts should approve any requests for genetic testing.
- Medicare beneficiaries should be cautious of unsolicited requests for their Medicare numbers. If anyone other than their physician's office requests their Medicare information, do not provide it.
- If you or your client suspect Medicare fraud, contact the HHS OIG Hotline."
And all of that is good IF it is medically necessary.
simply curious
New Member
- 7
Do you contract insurance agents to facilitate the swaps? How does that meet the requirements of the Anti Kickback Statue? How is it LEGAL?
- 6,024
It's not legal. It will take some time to end the concept - but, licensed Agents need to beware.
- 30,535
I think you meant "swabs". Will there be a requirement that the agent(or swabber) wash his/her hands with soap before swabbing?
- 30,535
Yep, when you can't think of a comeback....tuck tail and run.
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