The Flimsy Medical Equipment Scam: A Medicare Fraud Alert

One of the most persistent Medicare scams involves the fraudulent billing of medical equipment, particularly orthotic braces. This scam has been consistently identified as one of the top 20 durable medical equipment items with the highest improper payment rates.

How the Scam Works

Scammers contact Medicare beneficiaries with offers of “free” medical equipment, typically:

• Knee braces
• Back braces
• Other orthotic devices

They promise high-quality medical equipment in exchange for your Medicare number. However, what you receive is either:

• A cheap, low-quality brace you could buy at a drugstore
• Nothing at all

Meanwhile, they bill Medicare for expensive, high-quality equipment that was never provided.

Warning Signs

1. Unsolicited Offers

   • Calls or mailers offering “free” medical equipment
   • Pressure to provide your Medicare number
   • Claims that the equipment is “covered by Medicare”

2. Suspicious Equipment

   • Poor quality materials
   • Ill-fitting devices
   • Equipment that doesn’t match what was promised

How to Protect Yourself

1. Verify the Source

   • Only accept medical equipment from your doctor or approved suppliers
   • Check if the supplier is Medicare-approved
   • Never share your Medicare number with unsolicited callers

2. Understand Your Coverage

   • Know what medical equipment is covered by your plan
   • Get equipment only when prescribed by your doctor
   • Keep records of all medical equipment orders

3. Report Suspicious Activity

   • Document all unsolicited offers
   • Save any mailers or emails
   • Report suspicious calls to Medicare

What to Do If You’re a Victim

If you’ve received substandard equipment or unauthorized charges:

1. Contact Medicare immediately
2. Report the fraud to the Office of Inspector General
3. Keep the equipment as evidence
4. Document all communications with the supplier

Prevention Tips

• Never accept medical equipment from unknown sources
• Be skeptical of “free” offers
• Always get equipment through your doctor
• Review your Medicare statements regularly

Remember: Legitimate medical equipment suppliers will never cold-call you or pressure you for your Medicare number.

Have questions about medical equipment coverage or suspect you’ve been targeted by this scam? Let’s talk. I’m here to help you navigate these situations safely.