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What
You Should Know about
AIDS Fraud
Health care fraud in general is a serious
problem. No part of the health care system is free of fraud - not
supplies, hospitals, insurers, home health care or even physicians.
Specifically, AIDS fraud is promotion of an AIDS-related health
product, treatment, or service known to be false or labeled with
unsupported claims. Fraud can include, but is not limited to: treatment,
nutrition, mechanical devices, burial fees, drugs and supplements.
Victims of fraud may include partners, family and friends as well.
AIDS Fraud Is Expensive
Fraudulent products and services can be expensive; they waste your
money , and health insurance does not pay for them. Be wary of any
AIDS product, treatment, or service that seems to have an unusually
high cost, or carries an "extra charge" just because someone has
HIV/AIDS.
AIDS Fraud Is Dangerous
If you use products or services that don't work, you may delay getting
proper medical care. Your illness may get worse. There are legitimate
treatments that extend life and improve the quality of life in persons
with AIDS or HIV infection, even though there is no cure for HIV/AIDS.
Fraudulent products are not scientifically tested. If you use fraudulent
products, they may hurt you. You could even die.
You Can Help Stop AIDS Fraud
Be suspicious of statements that promise quick and painless cures
for AIDS, or those treatments that are "special", "foreign", "secret",
"miraculous", "ancient" or "easy". Ask questions of the promoters
regarding the product's approval and side effects. Request all printed
material on the product and its promoters.
You can report fraud by calling the Florida HIV/AIDS Hotline at
1-800-FLA-AIDS or by sending e-mail to hivhotline@211bigbend.org.
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