Have you received a phone call offering you a free back brace, walker, or other medical equipment “covered by Medicare”? If not yet — you likely will.
Here’s the truth: Under federal law (Section 1834(a)(17)(A) of the Social Security Act), companies are not allowed to call Medicare beneficiaries to sell or offer durable medical equipment (DME) unless you request it. But despite this law, SMP Hawaii continues to receive reports of illegal phone calls and even unwanted deliveries.
What Is Durable Medical Equipment (DME)?
DME includes reusable medical items prescribed by a doctor. These can include:
Walkers or wheelchairs
Hospital beds or scooters
Back braces and prosthetics
Home oxygen equipment
Important: Medicare only covers these items when they’re prescribed by your doctor and obtained from an approved supplier.
If You Get a Suspicious Call — HANG UP.
If someone calls trying to sell you DME:
🚫 Hang up immediately
📵 Avoid answering unfamiliar numbers
❗ Don’t engage — it could lead to even more scam calls
Scammers may claim they’re calling “on behalf of Medicare” or say they already got approval from your doctor — this is often false.
What If Something Shows Up at Your Door?
Receiving a DME item you didn’t order? Here’s what to do:
Document the Package
Write down the sender’s information or take a photo.
Contact SMP Hawaii
📞 Call us at 1-800-296-9422
📧 Or email info@smphawaii.org
Share Your Documentation
Include your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or Explanation of Benefits (EOB) that shows the charge.
SMP Hawaii will report the case to the Office of Inspector General, which investigates Medicare fraud.
Help Us Protect Hawaii’s Kūpuna
By staying informed and reporting scams, you help prevent fraud and protect others in your community. Want to do more? Join our statewide SMP Hawaii volunteer program to help educate and empower others.
Stay Alert. Stay Informed. SMP Hawaii is here to help.
Visit www.smphawaii.org to learn more.
