The Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID)’s Medicare Assistance Program (MAP) warns about rising cases of Medicare fraud across the state. Recent cases of fraud focus on COVID-19 test kits and self-catheter kits, according to a statement sent to Sapulpa Times.
“With the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, test kits are no longer available for free after May 11, 2023,” the statement said. Unfortunately, scammers began taking advantage of Medicare beneficiaries by sending at-home COVID-19 test kits and billing Medicare for the test they never requested.
“Also, many beneficiaries have seen charges on their Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) for COVID-19 tests they have yet to receive, with cases ranging from individual test kits to bulk shipments,” the statement said.
According to the Medicare Assistance Program says they have received over 55 calls reporting these scams since June, leading to 276 unrequested COVID-19 test kits. Even though not every test kit leads to a Medicare payment, the cumulative impact remains significant, with each test kit costing approximately $94, making the total payment by Medicare in excess of $18,000.
In addition to COVID-19 test kit fraud, Medicare recipients also reported urinary catheters being billed to Medicare when they don’t have a medical diagnosis that requires these medical supplies.
“The monetary implications are substantial, with Medicare being charged nearly $3,000 for each beneficiary allegedly receiving these unneeded catheters,” the statement said.
How to Protect Yourself from Fraud
The OID’s MAP division is available to help all Oklahomans prevent, detect and report Medicare fraud. The MAP Director Ray Walker encourages Medicare beneficiaries, their families and caregivers to contact his division immediately if they see suspicious activity, such as billing for unwanted and unnecessary at-home COVID-19 tests or other items and services they didn’t receive.
“Unfortunately, the pandemic provided fraudsters with many opportunities to take advantage of Medicare beneficiaries to benefit themselves,” said Walker. “We are actively working with State and Federal partners to detect and fight these new, emerging scams.”
Medicare allows you to submit claims within 12 months of receiving an item or service receipt. If you see charges on your MSN for medical services or equipment from months ago, the MAP counselors can assist you in taking the necessary steps to address the issue and report potential fraud to the authorities.
If you suspect you or a loved one is a victim of Medicare fraud or abuse, please get in touch with the OID’s MAP division at (800) 763-2828 or visit MAP.OID.OK.GOV.
