Per the notice below, the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a fraud alert about Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) plan marketing schemes that involve improper payments to health care professionals.

Special Fraud Alert: Suspect Payments in Marketing Arrangements Related to Medicare Advantage and Providers

OIG’s Special Fraud Alert warns about certain marketing schemes involving the Medicare Advantage program.  These schemes involve questionable payments and referrals between Medicare Advantage plans, health care professionals, and third-party marketers such as agents and brokers.  These schemes can mislead Medicare enrollees into choosing specific health plans or health care providers that may not meet the enrollees’ needs.