Is It a Scam? How to Tell—and What to Do—During Medicare Fraud Prevention Week

 As Medicare Fraud Prevention Week unfolds from June 2 through June 6, advocates across the country are sounding the alarm on a growing and costly threat: Medicare fraud. The issue impacts not only the federal healthcare system, but also millions of seniors, their caregivers, and families.In New York, the effort is led by the New York StateWide Senior Action Council, which administers the state’s Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program. At the helm is Executive Director Maria Alvarez, who has made it her mission to educate and empower older adults to recognize, report, and stop Medicare fraud before it causes harm.A $60 Billion ProblemMedicare fraud is estimated to cost the federal program $60 billion annually, according to the Council. But the damage goes beyond dollars—it includes stolen medical identities, stress for families, and even compromised health outcomes.Scams can range from billing for services never provided to sending unnecessary medical equipment—such as braces or testing kits—often ordered without a patient’s knowledge or consent.Know the Signs: Prevent, Detect, ReportAlvarez emphasizes a three-part strategy to fight fraud:Prevent: Read your Medicare statements carefully.Detect: Watch for unfamiliar providers or services you didn’t receive.Report: If something looks wrong, contact the Senior Medicare Patrol at 1-800-333-4374 or visit www.nysenior.org.During this week, the SMP is offering special outreach programs and encouraging participation from caregivers, families, healthcare providers, and community members.How to Get InvolvedBeneficiaries can track their services using free My Health Care Trackers, available from the StateWide Council. Caregivers are urged to help their loved ones register at Medicare.gov, avoid giving out Medicare numbers by phone, and watch for unusual shipments or bills.Healthcare professionals are being asked to educate patients on scam awareness, and community members can help by staying alert to unusual behavior—such as seniors buying large amounts of gift cards, a common scam tactic.The SMP also offers group presentations and can partner with community organizations for educational events.A Year-Round EffortWhile the focus is heightened during Medicare Fraud Prevention Week, Alvarez reminds the public that the threat is ongoing—and so is the support.For more information or to request assistance, call the New York Senior Medicare Patrol at 1-800-333-4374 or visit www.nysenior.org.