General News
Published April 8, 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, including 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 insurance companies don’t prescribe or send medications and supplies to their members.
Scams like this can end up costing insurance companies enormous amounts of money, which raise premiums for everyone.
How can members avoid scams like this?
- Don’t fill out online surveys, such as those on Facebook.
- Surveys for gift cards are usually too good to be true—they want something from you.
- Never give the name of your insurance company or doctor to someone unfamiliar to you.
- If you are called and offered free medicine or supplies, hang up.
We have posted a notice on the visitor home page linking to an article with information about the scam and how members can protect themselves.
Members can call our Fraud & Abuse Hotline 24/7 at 800-848-0244 or 425-918-5500 to report suspicious activities.
How can you help?
Help spread awareness of this scam by sharing the KDKA2 news story and the tips to avoid scams with your clients.