The Social Security Act prohibits suppliers of durable medical equipment from making unsolicited telephone calls to people on Medicare, yet Montana Senior Medicare Patrol has received multiple reports across Montana of scam calls making the rounds. Not only have folks been receiving calls selling durable medical equipment, or DME, but several people have received unordered supplies including back braces. One case alone involves receiving 20 different items from five different companies.
People on Medicare should be aware that DME sent by a supplier needs to be prescribed by their doctor. According to CMS, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, fraudulent telemarketing and DME supplies contribute to the estimated $60 billion in fraudulent Medicare payments each year. Though it may end up being no cost to the person, it is costing Medicare, and until you report it, they will get away with it.
If you receive a call that pressures you to buy medical equipment you don’t want or need, HANG UP.
If you received items in the mail you didn’t order, refuse the delivery or send them back and report it to your local Senior Medicare Patrol office at 1-800-551-3191. For more information contact Linda Howard, Resource Specialist, Seeley-Swan Resource Center, at 406-541-7688 or email lhoward@missoulaagingservices.org
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