Carmel, CA Medicare Elder Abuse Alert

An old woman with a bruised eye and hand on her face.


There is never a shortage of elder abuse scams making the rounds, but the latest to hit our area is Medicare related.  You will receive a message that says “Hi, this is Becky, your patient advocate working closely with Medicare.  Currently, Medicare is offering precautionary genetic cancer screening nationwide and has recommended that anyone over the age of 50 be tested.  These tests help to detect early signs of cancer and are covered by your insurance.  If you do not act soon, Medicare may label you as ineligible for coverage.  Please press 1 to speak to a specialist.â€Â  The situation is so dire that AARP The Magazine (August/September Issue, Page 32) ran a two-page story on it.  Do not fall for this scam!  If you have any questions, call the AARP Fraud Watch Network’s helpline at 877-908-3360.

Exciting New Cancer Breakthrough : By Derek Baine

A close up of some blue and yellow cells


Grail, a subsidiary of the DNA sequencing company Illumina, plans to introduce the first liquid biopsy test by the end of the year.  Grail’s is rolling out its Galleri test, which can detect 50 types of cancer, 45 of which have no recommended screening in the U.S.  Another company called Exact Sciences is developing its own multi-cancer screening test.  However, it won’t be ready until 2025