I received an offer from a company that says Medicare will cover a genetic test for risk of some diseases. Is this for real?

Beware of any offers for Medicare-covered tests or services that don’t come from a trusted provider. Medicare has seen a spike in scams involving “free” genetic testing to identify your risk for cancer, dementia or other hereditary conditions. Scammers often target people at senior centers or events to do a cheek swab on the spot, or they may send a test kit to you in the mail. The whole point is to steal your Medicare card number and fraudulently bill Medicare for thousands of dollars. Be sure to read your Medicare Summary Notice or Explanation of Benefits to spot any unusual charges; look for the words “gene analysis” or “molecular pathology” as a red flag. Medicare covers genetic testing only to see whether people with cancer have an inherited gene mutation. If you suspect this scam, report it to your local Senior Medicare Patrol at 877-808-2468.

I’m 64 and currently have COBRA. Do I have to take Medicare when I turn 65, or can I wait until my COBRA runs out?

People turning 65 who are covered under employer insurance may defer Medicare enrollment until they stop actively working—or lose coverage from a spouse. You still probably should sign up for no-cost Part A, because for some insurers, Medicare hospital insurance becomes primary when you turn 65. COBRA is different. It is designed to bridge the gap between leaving a job and having another form of insurance—including Medicare. If you have COBRA, you have two reasons to enroll in Medicare at 65. First, COBRA often ends or becomes secondary once you’re eligible for Medicare. Second, if you miss your initial enrollment period into Medicare—the seven-month window around your 65th birthday—you won’t get another chance once your COBRA ends. That means you may pay a late enrollment penalty, which lasts as long as you have Medicare.