Senior Medicare Patrol

Our Purpose

In 2010, we partnered with the Utah Department of Aging Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program in Salt Lake City. Our purpose is to focus on prevention, with a mission of empowering Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to prevent, detect, and report health care fraud and identity theft, errors, and abuse through outreach and education. We are uniquely positioned to give and be the contact source of educating and training on Medicare scams, fraud and discuss/answer the 10-Most Common Medicare Questions an individual/client may have.

The SMP is a national program for people with Medicare of all ages. SMP is administered by the Administration for Community Living. To learn more, volunteer or to locate your local Senior Medicare Patrol please call 1-877-808-2468 or visit https://www.smpresource.org.

Do you think you are a victim of Medicare fraud or abuse?

If you need help contacting your local SMP, fill out the form here: https://smpresource.news/Contact

With the Northern Utah Coalition, Inc. (NUC) and the Utah Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) collaboration for over 14 years, we offer a one hour or less FREE Protecting Medicare and You from Identity Theft and discuss Medicare's 10-Most Common Questions presentation to your business or organization. For more information or to schedule a presentation, call Monday-Thursday, 9:00 am-5:00 pm at (801) 393.4153.

As the holiday season approaches, many of us look forward to the joy, warmth, and togetherness that this time of year can bring. However, it's important to remember that for some, this season can be overshadowed by complicated feelings and challenges. Grief over lost loved ones, financial concerns that can weigh heavily, and seasonal affective disorder can make this time of year particularly difficult.

If you're feeling overwhelmed or struggling during the holidays, you're not alone. It's perfectly normal to have mixed emotions, and it's vital to prioritize your mental health during this time. Medicare offers coverage for various mental health services that can help you navigate these feelings and find support.

If you have questions about what is covered under your Medicare plan, don’t hesitate to reach out to a SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) counselor. They can provide you with valuable information and resources tailored to your situation. Visit shiphelp.org/mental-health

Please take care of yourselves and know it’s okay to ask for help. You deserve support and understanding, especially during the holidays.

#MedicareCoverage #ShipHelp #mentalhealthcoverage

Medicare Open Enrollment, #MedicareOE, closed December 7th. However, you may still have questions, contact your local #SHIP through the SHIP National Technical Assistance Center National Technical Assistance Center for free, unbiased assistance in comparing plans.

SHIPs are available to you in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam, DC, and the US Virgin Islands. Depending on your area, they may be known by a different name. Visit the SHIP website www.shiphelp.org to find one near you or call 877-839-2675.

Links to Medicare Resources

From Your SHIP

Find your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)

From Medicare

Other Medicare Help

Reference: www.smpresource.org

If you or someone you know are a qualified spouse, widow(er), or child of a Veteran disabled due to a service-connected disability, you may be eligible for CHAMPVA from VeteransHealth. CHAMPVA acts as a secondary payer to Medicare. Learn more: https://go.medicare.gov/4cedPn5.

Question... Did you know you can sign up for Medicare's newsletter?

Sign up for emails from #Medicare to get updates and important reminders sent right to your inbox. Visit www.Medicare.gov and scroll down to “Get important new & updates” to sign up.

For dual-eligible enrollees—people enrolled in both #Medicare and #Medicaid—access to prescription drugs is particularly important. According to a new data snapshot report, HHS-OIG found that dual-eligible enrollees have access to the majority of commonly used drugs in 2024 via Part D plans. Read more: https://direc.to/fhJN

Did you accidentally throw away your MSN? That's okay. You can still review your claims online at Medicare.gov! If you have any questions about how to review your Medicare statements, contact the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP).

The cost of your medications may change throughout the year, depending on which coverage phase you’re in. You’ll learn about it in this blog—from the deductible phase to the donut hole, as well as some new changes to look out for this year!

Read the blog post: www.shiphelp.org/about-medicare/blog/part-d-coverage-phases

#partD #MedicareHelp #MedicareCoverage

FYI... www.SMPResource.org

If you have Original Medicare, your health care costs depend, in part, on the type of provider you see. There are three types of providers, and each has a different relationship with Medicare. To pay the least for your care, see a participating provider when possible.

If you have Original Medicare, call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit www.Medicare.gov for help finding participating providers near you. For questions about your Medicare, call a SHIP near you (1-877-839-2675) or visit www.shiphelp.org.

If you’re eligible for Medicare because you turned 65, you may be wondering when to sign up. If you’re over 65 & have employer coverage, in most cases, you don't need to do anything until you (or your spouse) retire or you lose employer coverage. https://go.medicare.gov/47XSfRC

Turning 65 Soon? Congratulations!!!

Medicare: Where Do You Start?

WELCOME TO MEDICARE ARCHIVED TRAINING

Reference https://www.shiphelp.org/about-medicare/news or https://www.smpresource.org/

Watch short recordings on what you need to know when you are new to Medicare. In June 2021, expert trainers from the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) national network present on Medicare eligibility, enrollment, costs, and coverage options. National experts from Social Security, Medicare, the Senior Medicare Patrol, and the National Council on Aging also presented on the federal government's role in Medicare, avoiding Medicare fraud, and Medicare cost assistance programs. Information from this event that is still relevant has been retained on our YouTube channel. Questions? Contact us at info@shiphelp.org.

ENROLLING IN MEDICARE THROUGH SOCIAL SECURITY

This fact sheet helps you understand how to enroll in Medicare through the Social Security Administration and how your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) can help.

Social Security Online Access

Did you know you can manage your Social Security online by creating a my Social Security account?

Reference: www.smpresource.org

My Social Security is a secure account that puts you in control with access to your information from any device. Encourage a family member to create their personal my Social Security account today: http://ow.ly/AQVz50L1iTX.

SMP Consumer Fraud Alert

Medicare scams don't stop for the holidays. It is important to stay diligent and continue to check your Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) and/or Explanations of Benefits (EOBs) to see if there are any suspicious charges that could be potential fraud, errors, or abuse.

As a caregiver, one way you can help protect your loved one is to watch out for scammers. One way scammers go after people is through the mail.

Sending documents that look like official government letters and claiming they need personal information like a Social Security number, Medicare number, or banking information, are ways they can create financial ruin for your loved one.

The next time you visit your loved one, review their mail with them using these tips.

Older adults are often the target of scams. Scammers are savvy and convincing, and their scams are designed to catch people off guard. Don’t be ashamed if you think you or someone you know has been a victim of a scam — it can happen to anyone. Beware of Scams Targeting Older Adults | National Institute on Aging (nih.gov)

Reference: www.smpresource.org

The SMP is hearing about ostomy pouch charges on Medicare statements that aren't needed, wanted, or received. This could be the beginning of a new scam trend.

Be sure to review your Medicare statements and look for ostomy supplies. If you find charges, report it to the #SeniorMedicarePatrol at 877-808-2468 or smpresource.org/reportfraud.

FYI... www.smpresource.org

One thing you can do to be a fraud fighter is to spread the word about scams! Sharing posts, talking to friends and family, and sharing information with your community about scams can help prevent people from falling victim to them.

The best defense against #scams is you. A Federal Trade Commission report said that people who avoided scams:

Didn’t engage with the scam offer,

Learned about the scam and scammer's tactics, and

Talked to someone about the scam.

#learn #sharewithsomeone #avoidscams #dontengage #FTC #avoidscams #SMP #SeniorMedicarePatrol #Medicare #OlderAdults #Aging #MedicareFraud #MedicareScams #PreventDetectReport

There are many types of pharmacy and prescription drug schemes. A few examples are listed here. Check Medicare statements for errors, ensuring medications match prescriptions. Contact Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) if issues are detected for assistance and reporting potential fraud. To learn more visit www.smpresource.org SMP National Resource Center #MedicareFraud

Here are 3 tips to prevent #Medicare fraud! Share this information with your friends and family so they can stay alert! #SeniorMedicarePatrol

HHS-OIG is dedicated to safeguarding our health care system, combating fraud, protecting taxpayer dollars, and upholding the integrity of Medicare and Medicaid. Have information on potential fraud, waste, abuse, or mismanagement? Report it at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477), visit either www.smpresource.org or tips.hhs.gov.

#HealthcareIntegrity #FraudPrevention #Medicare #Medicaid #ProtectTaxpayerDollars #ReportFraud

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between fraud, errors, or abuse? This scale of intent can help show the difference. #MedicareFraud #SeniorMedicarePatrol #PreventDetectReport