Scam Alert

Recently, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) identified a scam involving beneficiary genetic tests.

About the scam: Some labs, at events like local health fairs, are offering a cheek swab for genetic testing as part of a “free” health screening in order to obtain beneficiary Medicare information for identity theft or fraudulent billing.

Some third parties are offering to pay agents if they help to facilitate Medicare beneficiaries completing the genetic test. If your “agent” is being paid to recommend the test and referring clients to get this test, they are breaking the law!

What YOU should know:

· Before agreeing to genetic testing, you should be sure the test is ordered by your doctor. You should also be sure the test is medically necessary and covered by your plan.

· Never give out your social security, Medicare or health plan numbers or banking information to someone you do not know.

· Never consent to any lab tests without your doctor’s order.

· It is illegal to accept anything of value in exchange for medical services.

If you receive one of these calls, please let me know. If you could get me their name and number, I will forward the information to CMS and get these fraudsters shut down and prosecuted.

As always, do something nice for someone just because.

All the best,

Randall J. Lawson

Owner/Agent

The HgO Group

803-851.0219 office

randy@thehgogroup.com

thehgogroup.com

National Producer Number #9276045

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