*SCAM* Medicare Approved Arthritis Kit Scam

Medicare Approved Arthritis Kit is a Scam

All scams come with a great sales pitch. What do you think of this one?

"Do you or someone you know suffer from arthritis, diabetes, poor circulation, back aches, swelling, muscle soreness, inflammation in the hands or ankles? If so, help is on the way! You can qualify for the new Medicare Approved Arthritis kit! And the best part, it’s FREE if you have Medicare Part A and B."

This sounds great! Probably just about every older adult on Medicare could say they suffer from any one of the ailments mentioned above. In fact, probably the rest of us have the same problems as well. But what is the real truth behind this most recent scam designed to steal your Medicare healthcare dollars?

The same team that brought you the Scooter Scam that defrauded Medicare of more than $31 million, is now back with a new scam telling Medicare beneficiaries they qualify for the Medicare Arthritis Kit that will relieve your pain and suffering…and it’s FREE.

Be aware, there is NO such item called a Medicare Approved Arthritis Kit!

How does this scam work? The fraud artists charge Medicare for items such as a back brace, knee brace (one for each knee), wrist brace (one for each wrist), elbow brace (one for each elbow), ankle brace (one for each ankle), then they throw in a heating pad and heat lamp. Total cost to Medicare is over $1,000. The value of the items you receive…probably less than $100. They rip off your healthcare dollars and do not even provide you the items they get paid for! Besides, if you really used all the equipment, you would look pretty much like an extra in “The Mummy!”

It is important that you get the healthcare and the healthcare items you need, but it is also important that you do not let people take advantage of you and steal healthcare dollars from you and future generations. Be part of the solution!

If anyone approaches you and offers equipment or care for FREE, call Eldersource 325-2800 and get connected to expert Scam Prevention workers at Lifespan who work to empower seniors to prevent healthcare fraud by providing education about Medicare fraud, errors and abuse.

adapted from NEWS RELEASE Contact Person: Barbara Parrott McGinity 713-341-6184 bmcginity@bbbhou.org August 27, 2008