Genetic testing is rapidly becoming an area where scams are commonplace.
Following a recently-published article by Kaiser Health News, Emporia Police officers say some instances have been reported locally.
Scammers are trying to get seniors to take at least two genetic screenings for cancer or medication side effects, sometimes using gift cards, pizza and ice cream as inducements. Patients may not pay a dime, but they could easily divulge personal information or family medical history as they set up the tests — and there is no guarantee they will get results.
Medicare Part B covers the costs, so scammers bill Medicare to the range of $6,000 to $25,000 per test. The Inspector General issued a fraud alert in June, asking seniors to take DNA tests only from their trusted physicians under medically-necessary circumstances.
If you suspect Medicare fraud, call 800-HHS-TIPS. Click here for a link to the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General website.
