Health Care Fraud – COVID-19 Resource Center

Important covid-19 anti-fraud message to consumers

As part of our mission to improve and protect the health care system, particularly under the threat of COVID-19, the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) is focused on protecting members from fraudsters who seek to take advantage of the fear and confusion many feel surrounding COVID. Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) companies partner with state and federal agencies, as well as advocacy organizations, to report, investigate and reduce the incidence of health care fraud.

Members should:

  1. Be wary of advertisements for vaccinations or medications to treat the virus which are not recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), your local health department or your physician.
  2. Always be on the lookout for unexplained or unauthorized charges appearing on your Explanation of Benefits statement.
  3. Be aware of phishing and/or spear phishing emails referencing Coronavirus, COVID or COVID-19 which may contain malware and/or request your personal information.
  4. Be wary of advertisements offering health products that are ineffective against COVID, such as herbal teas, supplements, oils or ointments. If you are uncertain, please seek guidance from your physician.
  5. Do not accept telemarketing or “robo-calls” from callers you did not authorize to call you or accept unsolicited offers of telemedicine services not authorized by your health plan.
  6. Beware of door-to-door COVID scams such as individuals knocking on your door offering to do COVID home examinations, which may include swab and vital signs testing, among others.

Our partners

BCBS companies work closely with state and federal agencies, as well as with advocacy organizations, to report, investigate and reduce the incidence of health care fraud. You are encouraged to visit and report fraud incidents with any of these organizations: