Dakota Center for Independent Living

Dakota Center for Independent Living

Current Popular Medicare Scams

There are several different Medicare scams out there. As soon as one scam is squashed, another one emerges. Here are a few examples of Medicare scams to watch out for:

  • Bait-and-switch scam: An “arthritis kit” draws the attention of many Medicare recipients through telemarketing, TV commercials, and door-to-door sales. This kit promises relief from chronic joint discomfort using a lightweight, high-tech osteoarthritis brace designed for knees, backs, ankles, hands, and elbows. The person receives a bunch of Velcro braces and assorted knee and ankle wraps. Meanwhile, the kit supplier bills Medicare $3,000 for state-of-the-art braces and splints.
  • Home health care scams: Home healthcare fraudsters are offering clients services that range from physical therapy to cooking and cleaning assistance. These companies charge Medicare for professional services, but actually provide low-level care or nothing at all.
  • Topical pain cream scam: Telemarketers are calling to offer beneficiaries a chance to meet a doctor who would be willing to prescribe topical pain cream. They ask for the beneficiaries Medicare number during the phone call.
  • New Medicare card scam: Scammers are calling people and asking for Medicare numbers so the person they are calling can receive their new Medicare card. They are stealing the Medicare information.

If you get one of these calls, what should you do?

  • Hang up
  • Never give out your Medicare number or personal information
  • Call the North Dakota Senior Medical Patrol Office at (701)858-3580

Information provided by the Senior Medical Patrol