It is no secret that health care services for the elderly have remained lucrative despite the current economic crisis.  Not only are legitimate service providers continuing to grow, but scam artists are also on the rise.

Medicare scams are growing.  Coupled with legitimate senior service marketing are scams that defraud Medicare, overcharge seniors, and even scams that use false Medicare marketing to commit identity theft.

There are some common red flags that may indicate a Medicare scam.

• Charged co-payments on clinical laboratory tests, and on Medicare covered preventive services such as PAP smears, prostate specific antigen (PSA) tests, or flu and pneumonia shots.
• Routinely waived co-payments on any services, other than those previously mentioned, without checking your ability to pay.
• Advertised “free” consultations to People with Medicare.
• Claimed they represent Medicare.
• Used pressure or scare tactics to sell you high priced medical services or diagnostic tests.

It is also prohibited for Medicare marketers to approach your senior in any of the following situations:

• Door to door solicitation – coming to your home without an invite
• Approaching you in a parking lot, hallway, lobby, etc.
• Unsolicited telephone contact
• Unsolicited emails (unless you have given out your email address)

Direct Mail Marketing is legal.  Legitimate Medicare marketers will use the following language in their printed promotional material.

• Advertising pieces – “This is an advertisement;”
• Plan information – “Important plan information about your enrollment”
• Health – “Health or wellness or prevention information”

If you or anyone you know feels they have suspicions of fraud they can contact the Medicare’s Customer Service Center at  1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)