Watch out for arthritis kit scam

The same team that launched the Scooter Scam that defrauded Medicare of more than $31 million is back. The latest scam tells Medicare beneficiaries they qualify for the Medicare arthritis kit that will relieve pain and suffering and is free.

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 back braces, knee braces, wrist braces, elbow braces, ankle braces and even throw in a heating pad and heat lamp. The total cost to Medicare is over $1,000. The value of the items Medicare recipients receive is probably less than $100. They rip off healthcare dollars and do not even provide the items they are paid for.

It is important that those on Medicare get the healthcare and healthcare items needed, but it is also important that they do not let scammers steal healthcare dollars from present and future generations.

Report anyone who offers free equipment or care by calling the Texas SMP at 713-341-6184 or 1-888-341-6187. The Texas SMP is a program of the Better Business Bureau Education Foundation of Houston and works to empower seniors to prevent healthcare fraud by providing education about Medicare fraud, errors and abuse.