Groups working to help seniors combat scams say fraud involving fake medical equipment orders are showing up more often in Arkansas and across the country. Fraudsters may offer free devices in exchange for a Medicare number, even if the person does not need them.
Carolina Oehler, volunteer coordinator with the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program, said this kind of fraud not only costs Medicare money but can leave seniors without coverage when they need care the most.
“When they actually need the device, and the doctor orders it, the supplier is going to try to bill Medicare,” she said. “Medicare is going to deny the claim, because there’s already a claim for the same thing that was billed.”…