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Unordered COVID-19 tests — and bills — are arriving on doorsteps around the country. What’s going on? It’s another scam targeting people with Medicare. Here’s what to do if you get billed for tests you didn’t order.

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Don’t pay for COVID-19 tests you didn’t order. Report it: ReportFraud.ftc.gov

In June, the FTC warned about scammers stealing people’s Medicare numbers and billing Medicare for COVID-19-related services (and other things) that they sometimes got — and sometimes didn’t. The difference now? You might be getting the bill instead of Medicare. That’s because after May 11th, when the COVID-19 Health Emergency officially ended, Medicare and other health insurance plans stopped paying for many at-home over-the-counter COVID-19 tests. Once Medicare denies payment, those scammy companies could come back with a bill in your name.

Here's what to do if you get one of these bills for unordered COVID-19 tests:

  • Don’t pay it. By law, companies can’t send you things you didn’t order and then demand payment. If you get a bill like this, report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
  • Check your Medicare Summary Notices (MSN) and Explanations of Benefits (EOB) to see if your account was billed. Statements are available by mail or online at Medicare.gov. Look for services, products, or equipment Medicare paid for that you didn’t get. Do the statements show any double charges, or things you or your doctor didn’t ask for?
  • If you suspect Medicare fraud, call your health care provider or Medicare plan and ask for an explanation. If you aren’t satisfied with their response, call your local Senior Medicare Patrol for help filing a report or call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE.
  • Report Medicare fraud to the Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General online or at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477). It helps them track down the scammers and try to stop them.

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The purpose of this blog and its comments section is to inform readers about Federal Trade Commission activity, and share information to help them avoid, report, and recover from fraud, scams, and bad business practices. Your thoughts, ideas, and concerns are welcome, and we encourage comments. But keep in mind, this is a moderated blog. We review all comments before they are posted, and we won’t post comments that don’t comply with our commenting policy. We expect commenters to treat each other and the blog writers with respect.

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Jennifer
August 10, 2023

What should people do if they receive TESTS they didn't order, along with the bill? Mark them return to sender?

FTC Staff
August 10, 2023

In reply to by Jennifer

By law, companies can’t send unordered merchandise to you, then demand payment. That means you never have to pay for things you get but didn’t order. You also don’t need to return unordered merchandise. You’re legally entitled to keep it as a free gift.

Stephanie Maur…
August 10, 2023

Thanks for the alert and instructions.
I actually called Medicare a few weeks ago when I got a bill for $100. The investigator was very nice and helpful. To my surprise she told me that the department had been catching bogus billings in my account for one or two years now! And they told me that a Medicare letter saying I may owe $89 for a procedure should have been paid by my Medigap coverage. I'm waiting for that one to come through.
But I sure will be questioning anything suspicious from now on.
I love all the actions the FTC has been taking in it's role, too.
Keep up the great work!
Maureen

Sharon Bradley
August 10, 2023

I was notified by bc/bs Medicare had forward balance for
200 catheters from Royce MDE. Total bill approx $3500!
Did not order! Do not need!!
Got new Medicare card yesterday and will get one from BC/BS
Soo who is watching the Medicare “hen house!”

Lola Nelson
August 10, 2023

Thanks for the heads up.

richard antczak
August 10, 2023

I received Covid home test kits that I was told no charge but now Medicare I received two denials for home covid test at 200.00 x2

Julie
August 10, 2023

This happened to me last month and I called Medicare immediately! Someone had ordered 9 Covid test since 9/2022- June 2023 and I never received any of the test.

EJ
August 10, 2023

Thank you for putting up this article. I've been wondering what could be done to stop this craziness from continuing, and I'm glad that you provided an answer. Now they are calling about a DNA test that my doctor ordered for me, when I ask what's my doctor's name they hang up. Just today, I received 19 calls from scammers, how can we stop this?

Shariys
August 10, 2023

In reply to by EJ

A couple things: put yourself on the Do Not Call list if you haven't already. That will stop calls from legitimate companies. But scammers don't care about the Do Not Call list. So set up all your family, friends, Dr's ofc, etc, in a contacts list. When they call, you'll see it on your caller ID. And then, simply don't answer calls you don't recognize. Let them all go to voicemail. Anyone who wants to talk to YOU will leave a message. Delete robocall messages unless they identify themselves as being from a business you use, such as a dr's ofc. Don't be afraid to mute that phone!

Beth
August 11, 2023

In reply to by EJ

I began first by not answering any numbers I didn't know, seeing if they left a voice mail and finally blocking the numbers. If they are blocked they don't ring on my phone, plus Consumer Cellular has a spam program that blocks suspicious calls. I enrolled in the "do not call" registered years ago. Good luck!

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