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Medicare Fraud Prevention Week Begins June 1

The fifth annual Medicare Fraud Prevention Week commences on June 1, focusing on what individuals can do to prevent fraud, errors, and abuse related to Medicare. This significant event is spearheaded by the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP), a vital initiative under the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL). Every year, Medicare suffers approximately $60 billion losses due to fraudulent activities and administrative errors, hence addressing this issue is crucial.

Understanding the Risks

Medicare fraud is often engaged in by criminals who exploit vulnerable individuals. Common warning signs that may indicate fraudulent activity include:

• - Receiving bills for services or supplies that you did not order or receive.
• - Being contacted regarding unnecessary tests or services.
• - Receiving unsolicited calls from individuals claiming to be Medicare representatives, asking for your personal information.

Brandy Bauer, the director of the SMP Resource Center, states, "Medicare fraud is big business for criminals. Medicare Fraud Prevention Week is an opportunity to remind people with Medicare that there are steps they can take to prevent, detect, and report fraud."

Prevention Strategies

The SMP offers several practical tips for beneficiaries and their families to safeguard against Medicare fraud:
1. Keep Your Information Private: Always be cautious and never share your Medicare number with anyone except trusted healthcare professionals.
2. Hang Up on Unsolicited Calls: If you receive an unsolicited call purportedly from Medicare, it’s best to end the call.
3. Review Statements Closely: Regularly check your Medicare Summary Notices and Explanation of Benefits for any unusual charges that may indicate fraud.
4. Use Apps for Tracking: Utilize resources such as the My Health Care Tracker or SMP Medicare Tracker app for managing your appointments and comparing them against bills.
5. Report Suspicious Activity: If you observe anything suspect, report it to your local SMP by calling 1-877-808-2468 or filling out an online form.

With personnel in all 50 states, as well as in Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the SMP offers free and unbiased assistance to Medicare beneficiaries and their families. Local SMP teams are instrumental in educating individuals to identify potential fraud, reviewing bills, and effectively reporting any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities.

Resources Available

The SMP Resource Center encourages everyone to visit their official website or engage with them on social media for more tips on preventing fraud, insights into recent scams, and to locate your nearest SMP program.

About the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)

The SMP, managed by the Administration for Community Living—a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services—aims to empower Medicare beneficiaries along with their families and caregivers in preventing, detecting, and reporting any health care fraud, errors, and abuse through outreach efforts, individualized counseling, and informative educational programs. For further details regarding the program's background, funding, and achievements, individuals can refer to the ACL website.

Supporting the SMP Resource Center is the Administration for Community Living (ACL), which has provided funding, totaling $1,500,000, completely covered by ACL/HHS. The views articulated in this content are purely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official stance of ACL/HHS or the U.S. government.