General News
Published April 15, 2019
Nationwide, people are reporting a durable medical equipment (DME) company insurance scam where they receive medications or devices, such as a back brace, in the mail without their doctor’s knowledge or prescription. Their insurance company is billed, and the member receives an explanation of benefits (EOB) for the supplies. In some cases, the member only receives an EOB showing large charges.
How does the scam work?
Members may receive telemarketing phone calls offering free pain medicine or medical supplies. In other cases, they are prompted to take a survey, either in a store or in a social media feed, such as Facebook, in exchange for a gift card. They may be asked about pain and other medical information, as well as the name of the member’s auto and health insurance. That’s enough information for the scammers to move forward. They may also ask for a member ID or primary physician name.
The medications sent by the DME company might be unsafe or interact with the member’s other medications. Medical devices should be carefully fitted, not sent in the mail in a random size.
Premera Blue Cross will never call our members and make these kinds of offers. Health plans don’t prescribe or send medications and supplies to their members.
Three ways you can help your employees avoid scams like this
- Tell your employees about these tips:
- Don’t fill out online surveys, such as those on Facebook.
- Don’t take surveys for gift cards—these types of offers are usually too good to be true.
- Never give the name of your insurance company or doctor to someone unfamiliar to you.
- Hang up if you are called and offered free medicine or supplies.
- Share our insurance scam notice or the KDKA2 news story with your employees.
- Encourage your employees to report suspicious activity by calling 800-848-0244 or 425-918-5500.