The Federal Trade Commission reports an increase in hospice fraud targeting older adults.
Seniors are being targeted by scammers who claim to offer free cooking, cleaning, and home health care services with text messages, emails, and door-to-door visits. However, they will not tell you how they will do it: They want to commit fraud by signing you up for Medicare hospice care. As a result, they can bill Medicare for all kinds of services in your name, according to the FTC.
A message from the FTC explains what they want you to know about hospice care: Hospice care is a specialized service often provided at home to those who are nearing the end of their lives. A doctor is the only one that can certify whether you qualify for hospice (meaning you have fewer than 6 months to live). Your Medicare coverage could be affected if you sign up for hospice and don’t need it. Anyone who tells you otherwise is a scammer.
The FTC suggests the following ways to avoid hospice scams:
- Never give your Medicare number to someone offering “free” services like housekeeping or cooking. Medicare doesn’t offer free services like that.
- Never agree to sign up for hospice care in exchange for perks or gifts like money, gift cards, or groceries.
- Know that Medicare will never come to your home to sign you up for services. If someone comes to your door, says they’re from Medicare, and tries to get you to sign up for services, they’re lying. Don’t give them any information.
If you think you suspect hospice fraud, report it as soon as possible. Call 1-800-MEDICARE or reach out to your local Senior Medicare Patrol for help
Learn more at Medicare.gov/fraud.
