From the Office of Insurance Commissioner: June Is Medicare Fraud Prevention Month

We’re launching a comprehensive, statewide effort to empower every Medicare beneficiary with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves from health care fraud. Kim McKenna, State SMP Coordinator at OPIC made the following announcement: 

Protect our seniors: Join us for Medicare Fraud Prevention Month By Kim McKenna, State SMP Coordinator  As your state Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Coordinator, I’m thrilled to announce the kickoff of Medicare Fraud Prevention Month starts tomorrow, June 5! We’re launching a comprehensive, statewide effort to empower every Medicare beneficiary with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves from health care fraud.Every year, Medicare loses more than $60 billion to fraud, waste, and abuse. But these aren’t just numbers, they represent real people whose health care security has been compromised. When fraud depletes the Medicare Trust Fund, it threatens the future of health care for all beneficiaries.During Fraud Prevention Month, we recognize Medicare beneficiaries are our most powerful allies in detecting, preventing, and reporting fraud. When you know what to look for and how to report it, you become an essential part of our fraud prevention network.Here are some activities you can facilitate in your communities:·         Community workshops: Host fraud prevention workshops with an emphasis on preventing stolen ID, scam calls, and learning how to read health care statements.·         One-on-one counseling: During SHIBA counseling sessions, remind beneficiaries to review Medicare statements and identify suspicious charges. Offer to help if they don’t know how to get or read their statements.·         Add the link for the Office of Insurance Commissioner website’s SMP webpages: This page also includes our online fraud reporting form to your agency’s website and social media accounts. ·         Give a presentation: Use our fraud prevention presentation or offer an educational session.·         Provide talking points or be a SMP guest speaker on a podcast.·         Share your story: If you or a client has encountered Medicare fraud, your experience can help others. Email your experience to Kim. ·         Display materials: Share materials on how to prevent, detect, and report Medicare fraud with local businesses and organizations. Reach out to Kim McKenna for materials or visit My SHIBA.Medicare fraud doesn’t just happen to “other people.” With new scams constantly emerging—from genetic testing schemes to medical identity theft—everyone needs to stay vigilant. Remember our simple message: Protect, Detect, Report.I look forward to working with all of you this month and beyond. Together, we can protect our seniors and preserve Medicare for future generations. View it online.

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