Free Braces, Genetic Tests and Medical Supplies: Medicare Scams to Avoid

Use this before you call.

Not sure if an offer is legitimate? Call GetFastRates.com and talk it through with a licensed agent before you give anyone a number.

Say no to any free test, brace or supply you did not ask your own doctor about.

Do not give your Medicare number at a health fair, a mall booth or over the phone to someone who contacted you.

If equipment or a test kit arrives that you did not order, do not accept it or use it, and keep the packaging and any paperwork.

Check your Medicare statements for items and services you did not get.

Call 1-800-MEDICARE or your Senior Medicare Patrol if you see a charge you do not recognize.

If you feel unsure about anything, call us and we will point you to the right place.

How these schemes work

Someone offers you something that sounds like a bargain or a health service at no charge. To get it, they need your Medicare number, and sometimes a signature or a doctor's name. Then they bill Medicare, often for a lot more than the item is worth.

A cheek swab or genetic test offered at a health fair, a senior center or by phone
A back, knee or wrist brace 'covered by Medicare' that you did not ask your doctor for
Diabetic or other supplies that show up in the mail without an order
A 'free screening' that needs your Medicare card

Why it hurts you even if you pay nothing

Claims in your name for things you did not get can mix up your medical records, trigger denials when you need a real service later, and put you in a position where you have to prove what you did and did not receive. It also uses up money that supports real care.

What a real order looks like

Real medical equipment and tests come from a doctor you know, for a reason you understand, and you can ask your own doctor before agreeing. You should never be pressured to decide on the spot.

Common questions about this topic

What if something arrived that I did not order?

Do not use it, keep the packaging and paperwork, and call 1-800-MEDICARE or your Senior Medicare Patrol to report it.

Are free health screenings ever legitimate?

Some community screenings are, but a legitimate one does not need your Medicare number to give you the screening. If they ask for it, decline.

Who investigates this?

You can report it to 1-800-MEDICARE, to the Office of Inspector General at the Department of Health and Human Services, or to your local Senior Medicare Patrol.

Related coverage articles

Medicare Card Scams: New Cards, 'Verify Your Number' Calls and FeesMedicare never charges for your card and never calls to confirm your number to keep your coverage. Here is how the new-card and verify-your-number scams work and how to protect your Medicare number.Medicare Scams to Watch For: Calls, Texts, Mail and AdsThe most common Medicare scams, the red flags that show up every time, what real Medicare and real plans do, and where to report. Read this before you answer the next call.I Gave My Medicare Number to a Scammer: What to Do NowIf you shared your Medicare number, Social Security number or bank details with someone you should not have, here is what to do in the first hour, the first week, and over the next months.

Tools that can help

Medicare Enrollment Period CalculatorFind your Medicare enrollment window and what it means for your timing.Medicare Part B Late Enrollment Penalty CalculatorEstimate whether a Part B late enrollment penalty could apply to you.Medicare Plan Ending FinderCheck your carrier and ZIP code against current, verified plan-ending records.

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