#New York #Medicare #DME Fraud

Understanding the Risks of Durable Medical Equipment Fraud Among Seniors

Durable Medical Equipment (DME) fraud has increasingly emerged as a serious threat to seniors, and the New York StateWide Senior Action Council (StateWide) has made it a priority to raise awareness. They have designated DME fraud as their “Fraud of the Month” for December, revealing the tactics used by scammers and offering essential advice to help seniors navigate these risks effectively.

Exposing the Fraud Tactics

Maria Alvarez, the Executive Director of StateWide, explained that fraudsters often target Medicare beneficiaries during the holiday season with enticing offers of free or low-cost medical equipment. This includes items such as braces for knees, backs, or wrists that seniors may not even need.

Seniors are often reached through unsolicited phone calls or advertisements claiming they qualify for these seemingly beneficial offers. However, many of these calls are nothing but scams designed to acquire personal Medicare information. Once scammers have this information, they can submit false claims for DME, risking the seniors’ access to genuine healthcare services.

The Implications for Seniors

Receiving unsolicited DME that was not requested can significantly alter a patient's medical identity. This misdirection can impact medical treatment plans, causing confusion for healthcare providers. It's crucial for all seniors to remember that they should always consult a doctor about their medical needs before accepting any equipment.

Tips for Protection Against DME Fraud

To combat the risk of DME fraud, StateWide provides the following tips to seniors:

1. Guard Personal Information: Treat your Medicare number like a credit card number. Only share it with trusted healthcare providers to prevent misuse.
2. Reject Unexpected Offers: If you receive unexpected calls regarding medical equipment, hang up. Scammers often use high-pressure tactics to create a false sense of urgency.
3. Consult a Trusted Healthcare Professional: Always ensure that a healthcare provider has assessed your condition before acquiring any medical equipment.
4. Stay Vigilant and Report Suspicious Activity: Regularly review your Medicare statements for unrecognized equipment charges. If you receive DME that you did not request, report it to the New York State Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) immediately.

Resources for Seniors

StateWide emphasizes the importance of an educated Medicare demographic in combating healthcare fraud. They offer trained counselors who can guide seniors in recognizing and reporting fraud. For anyone wishing to report potential fraud or simply gather more information, they can call the NYS Medicare Fraud Helpline at 800-333-4374 or visit their website at www.nysenior.org.

The Financial Impact of Medicare Fraud

It's estimated that Medicare fraud costs taxpayers an astonishing $60 billion each year. In a bid to address this issue, StateWide initiated its