Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP): Protecting Yourself From Medicare Fraud
Medicare fraud is more common than many people realize and it can impact your health, your identity, and your finances. The good news is that you don’t have to navigate this alone. The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) is here to help you prevent, detect, and report Medicare fraud.
What is the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)?
The Senior Medicare Patrol is a national program that empowers Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to fight fraud, errors, and abuse in the healthcare system.
SMP works alongside trusted programs like Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP) to provide:
- Education on how to protect your Medicare benefits
- Assistance reviewing medical bills and statements
- Help reporting suspected fraud
SMP services are free, unbiased, and confidential.
Why Medicare Fraud Matters
Medicare fraud doesn’t just cost money, it can affect your personal health information and care.
- Billions of dollars are lost to healthcare fraud each year
- Stolen Medicare numbers can be used to bill for services you never received
- Incorrect medical records can impact future treatment decisions
Protecting your Medicare information helps protect your health and your identity.
Common Types of Medicare Fraud
Be aware of these common scams:
- Billing for services not provided
- Charging for unnecessary tests or equipment
- Using your Medicare number without permission
- Fake offers for “free” medical equipment or services
- Scammers posing as Medicare or healthcare providers
If something feels off, it’s worth taking a closer look.
How to Protect Yourself
You can take simple steps to reduce your risk:
- Protect your Medicare number
Treat it like a credit card, only share it with trusted providers - Review your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN)
Check for services, dates, or charges you don’t recognize - Be cautious of unsolicited calls
Medicare will not call you to ask for personal information - Avoid offers that sound “too good to be true”
Especially “free” services that require your Medicare number - Shred sensitive documents
Dispose of old medical bills, insurance papers, and prescriptions securely
How to Detect Fraud
Watch for warning signs such as:
- Bills for services you did not receive
- Calls about medical equipment you never requested
- Being told you reached a “benefit limit” you don’t understand
- Errors in your medical records
- Catching fraud early can prevent bigger problems later.
How to Report Medicare Fraud
If you suspect fraud, don’t wait, help is available.
- Contact your local Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)
- Reach out to your local HICAP program
- Keep records of suspicious bills, calls, or messages
You are not expected to investigate, just report what you notice.
Protect, Detect, Report
SMP encourages three simple steps:
- Protect your personal information
- Detect errors or suspicious charges
- Report concerns as soon as possible
These actions help protect not only you, but your entire community.
We’re Here to Help
Medicare can be complex, and fraud can be difficult to recognize, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. SMP and HICAP are here to support you every step of the way.
If you have questions about your Medicare coverage or want help reviewing your statements, reach out for assistance. Free, unbiased help is available.
Need Help?
HICAP provides FREE, unbiased Medicare counseling.
📞 Appointment Hotline: 408-350-3288
🌐 Website: mysourcewise.com
📍 In-person and phone appointments available