Genetic Testing Scam Targets Seniors, Stay Safe Program Set for Oct. 9

FREE Stay Safe & Pass It On educational program set for 2 p.m. Tuesday, October 9 in the Rockwall County Library Community Room

Hosted by Rockwall County Library, Texas Senior Medical Patrol & Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

(ROCKWALL, TX – Sept. 24, 2019) Across the nation – including in the state of Texas – genetic testing company representatives are offering “free” genetic tests to Medicare beneficiaries. These tests can also be referred to as DNA screenings, cancer screenings, and hereditary testing, to name a few. The representatives go to senior centers, senior housing, health fairs, and even parking lots to convince people to let them take a cheek swab for testing. They advertise on TV and online. They promise that the results will help recipients avoid diseases or find the right medications. BEWARE: Scammers ask for the person’s Medicare number, in return, for providing the “free” testing service.

While this may sound harmless, in reality it is dangerous. “These companies can steal people’s medical identity and falsely bill Medicare, draining the system of needed funds. Tests ordered under these circumstances are unnecessary and could lead to confusion about someone’s health condition,” said Jennifer Salazar, Director of the Texas Senior Medicare Patrol (TXSMP). Because confusion exists regarding Medicare’s coverage for genetic tests for cancer and other conditions, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) released a fraud alert on the topic. It advises the public to be suspicious of anyone who offers free genetic testing and then requests their Medicare number.

Stay Safe & Pass It On educational program: Prevent Medicare Fraud & Other Scams

To learn details about this Genetic Testing Scam and more, plan to attend the Stay Safe & Pass It On educational program hosted by the Rockwall County Library, the Texas Senior Medical Patrol, and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. The program will be held on Tuesday, October 9, 2019 in the Rockwall County Library Community Room beginning at 2:00 p.m. The program is free of charge and open to anyone who is interested in protecting your identity and financial security. Topics include: Identity Theft Prevention and How to Detect the following scams: Charity, Healthcare, IRS, Grandparent and Genetic Testing. Participants will receive a Fraud Prevention Toolkit to help them detect fraud and pass the educational information on to others.

The Texas Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) empowers and assists Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to prevent, detect, and report health care fraud, errors, and abuse. The Texas SMP can help you with your questions, concerns, or complaints about potential fraud and abuse issues. It also provides information and educational presentations. Contact the Texas SMP Hotline at 1-888-341-6187.

The Senior Medicare Patrol is supported by a grant (no. 90MPRC0001) from the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS

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