Scams targeting Medicaid and Medicare patients

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ)- The Attorney General is warning Kentuckians about medical billing scams.

Attorney General Andy Beshear’s office says people in Louisville have complained about a van driving around and paying people on Medicaid $20 for a DNA sample and health insurance information.

Other older Kentuckians are reportedly taking calls from people offering medical devices through Medicare. The Attorney General’s office says a senior from Warren County reported $1,300 in bills for back braces that weren’t needed.

According to Beshear, scammers are trying to steal insurance information to receive reimbursement for services or devices that aren’t medically necessary.

“Scammers are exploiting Kentuckians’ medical needs in an attempt to take in illegal profits,” Beshear said. “Kentuckians should rely on the advice of their primary care physicians – not someone who is calling them by phone or driving by in an unmarked vehicle.”

The office says it has received complaints about scams in Ballard, Breckinridge, Clark, Fayette, Hardin, Jefferson, Jessamine, Lee, Letcher, Marshall, Muhlenberg, Nelson, Perry, Pulaski, Shelby, and Warren counties.

If you’re concerned about a company you gave Medicaid information to, call the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Hotline at 877-228-7384. You can also file a complaint with his office online.You should also contact Medicare and/or Medicaid and any health insurance provider involved.

Beshear’s office suggests avoiding medical billing scams by asking what doctor ordered a test or device and by ignoring solicitors only targeting Medicaid or Medicare patients.