The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has issued an alert with regard to a “Preventive Genetic Testing” scam. The scam is reportedly hitting Iowa senior citizens. Officials say companies focus on health fairs, community events, residential housing (Wherever seniors might gather), and fraudulently tell a senior that Medicare will cover the cost of a preventative genetic (DNA) test. They say all the senior has to do is give the company your Medicare number.

The scams may be referred to as: a cancer screening test; DNA screening test; Hereditary cancer screening test; Dementia screening test; Parkinson’s screening test, or Pharmacogenomics (Drug sensitivity) test. The IDPH says seniors who give out their Medicare number to someone other than their own healthcare provider, risks having that number exploited on the “dark web.” Medicare DOES NOT cover a DNA test. It only covers one specific test for diagnostic purposes (Colorectal cancer screening) that meets a very prescribed criteria.

Genetic testing fraud occurs when Medicare is billed for a test or screening that was not medically necessary, and/or was not ordered by a beneficiary’s treating physician. Information on Medicare scams should be shared with the Senior Medicare Patrol, at 1-800-351-4664.