Preventing Medicare Fraud: Everyone’s Responsibility

Medicare Fraud Prevention Week, held from June 3 to June 9, is dedicated to raising awareness about the steps individuals can take to prevent Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse. Hosted by the Administration for Community Living and the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP), this weeklong event aims to educate Medicare beneficiaries on protecting themselves from fraud. Medicare fraud costs an estimated $60 billion annually, affecting people nationwide. Common fraud examples include billing for services not provided, misrepresenting diagnoses, and prescribing unnecessary tests.

Preventing fraud starts with education. Medicare beneficiaries are encouraged to read their Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or Explanation of Benefits (EOB) and learn to detect suspicious charges. The SMP emphasizes three steps: Prevent, Detect, and Report. Preventing fraud involves understanding how to protect personal information and reading MSNs. Detecting fraud includes looking for unauthorized charges. Reporting suspected fraud involves contacting local SMP offices.

Caregivers, families, partners, and professionals all play vital roles in this effort. They can help by educating others, monitoring for signs of fraud, and sharing SMP resources. Health care providers can also assist by discussing potential scams with patients and ensuring medical services are ordered through trusted channels. Community members can support by sharing information and encouraging vigilance among older neighbors.