FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE: FEBRUARY 11, 2019
RE: PRESS RELEASE – MEDICAL DEVICE FRAUD WARNING – INCLUDING OFFERS FOR BACK AND KNEE BRACES
The Ulster County District Attorney’s Division of Consumer Affairs advises that various organizations are contacting individuals by phone or mail offering them medical devices and claiming these devices are covered by Medicare, Medicaid or other insurance programs. Consumer Affairs offers the following suggestions…
· Only answer the phone if it’s a caller you know.
· If you do answer the phone and it’s a telemarketer, hang up. If it’s a postcard or email, discard it.
· Disregard TV ads offering free back or knee braces.
· Never give out your Medicare card number, Social Security number, birth date, bank account information or credit card number to an unknown party.
· Medicare will already have your basic information. Report instances of fraud by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or visiting www.medicare.govand clicking on Forms, Help, &Resources.
· If you are in need of a back or knee brace – or any medical device – see your doctor to get one prescribed to you. That way, it can be processed correctly through Medicare.
Consumer Affairs can be reached at 340-3260.