Medicare Fraud Prevention Week runs June 5-11

The public can learn how to protect identity, assets and legacy by joining Senior Medicare Patrol Hawaiʻi and its partners for Medicare Fraud Prevention Week, June 5 to 11.

More than 10,000 Americans turn 65 every day and become eligible to sign up for Medicare; however, Medicare loses an estimated $70 billion each year due to fraud, according to a news release.

These fraudulent activities affect older adults, their families and caregivers across the state and nation, often costing time, money and well-being.

Senior Medicare Patrol Hawaiʻi can help with questions, concerns or complaints about suspicious activities. Trained volunteer counselors can assist with non-health related fraud by referring individuals to the appropriate agencies or resources.

Senior Medicare Patrol Hawaiʻi is currently seeking volunteers who are bi-lingual to assist people with limited English to learn about healthcare fraud prevention, scams and ways to protect themselves. 

To find out more about this special week of education and activities from Waipiʻo to Hawai‘i Kai and through partners on the neighbor islands, visit: www.smphawaii.org.

“Medicare fraud is devastating, but Senior Medicare Patrol Hawaiʻi, as part of a national network, helps to preserve the Medicare program for years to come,” said Norma Kop, senior Medicare Patrol Hawaiʻi director. “We teach people how to prevent fraud from happening by explaining how to detect and report medical billing errors.”

A free copy of Hawaii’s Fraud Prevention and Resource Guide, 3rd edition is now available.