Texas Senior Medicare Patrol

12/23/2024

FRAUD ALERT! ⚠️

Be on the lookout for a popular scam we're hearing about right now... "Plastic Medicare Cards"

Here are some useful reminders to keep in mind:

12/16/2024

Home / Medicare Fraud / Fraud Schemes / Tip Sheets for Printing This handout includes common Medicare fraud schemes in one document for ease of printing. The schemes included are: Ambulance Cardiac Genetic Testing COVID-19 Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Genetic Testing Home Health Care Hospice Medi...

12/14/2024

Watch out for calls about dementia genetic testing. People are reporting "verification operators" are calling and telling people they can get a dementia genetic test from Medicare. This is a scam. If you have given out your Medicare number or the caller had it already, please report it to the by calling 1-877-808-2468 or online at smpresource.org/reportfraud.

11/23/2024

With Medicare Open Enrollment happening now, you may receive an increase in phone calls. Be aware that there are things that agents cannot do.

❌ For instance, agents cannot threaten to take away your benefits if you don't sign up for a plan.
❌They also can't offer you any type of gift or incentive to sign up for their plan. If the person on the phone offers you a gift for switching or starts to threaten you, hang up and call the and report it.

11/22/2024

Now more than ever, scammers are using email, websites, and social media to steal personal information like information.

Contact your to report Medicare scams at 877-808-2468 or email [email protected].

11/19/2024

This week is International Fraud Awareness Week! What a great time to take a minute to review ways to prevent Medicare fraud. Here are 4 tips to remember when it comes to keeping your medical identity safe.

11/12/2024

Genetic testing fraud or abuse can occur when Medicare is billed for genetic screenings or tests that are not medically necessary and were not ordered by the beneficiary’s treating physician. Learn more at smpresource.org/medicare-fraud/fraud-schemes/genetic-testing-fraud/

11/11/2024

11/07/2024

Reviewing Medicare options during Open Enrollment can be overwhelming, but State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) make it easy. With their free, unbiased assistance, you can navigate the options available and help you understand coverage and costs to choose the plan that best fits your needs and budget! Call 1-877-839-2675 to be routed to your local SHIP for a Medicare counseling appointment. Call soon; Medicare's Open Enrollment Period ends on December 7th! Fore more info, visit: www.shiphelp.org

10/31/2024

Happy Halloween from the !

10/28/2024

Don't be spooked, but be alert that your Medicare plan may change without your knowing or approval.
Log into your Medicare.gov account and be sure you have the plan you should.

If you have questions about the right Medicare plan for you, contact your SHIP to go over any coverage questions!

10/23/2024

Who’s in Pearland today? If you are, come see Angel and Valerie at the Hilton Garden Inn for the Senior Trade Show! Hope to see you there 🤩🤗

09/12/2024

Today is National ! Take time today to:
✔️Educate yourself on the different types of Medicare fraud by visiting smpresource.news/FraudSchemes.
✔️Review your latest MSNs (Medicare Summary Notices) or EOBs (Explanations of Benefits) to ensure you received the services you were charged for.
✔️Take time to share information you learned with a friend or loved one.
If you find any concerns, use the Report Fraud form to get connected with your local SMP for help: https://smpresource.org/reportfraud.

09/11/2024

¡Hola El Paso! SMP’s very own Eloisa and Angel are at the Aging to Perfection Expo at the El Paso Convention Center! Come see them today and join in the fun 🤩 thank you Rio Grande Area Agency of Aging for hosting this awesome event ❤️

09/08/2024

Happy Grandparents Day from the Senior Medicare Patrol!

09/06/2024

Are you out and about in Galveston? Come see TXSMP at Moody Methodist Church for the annual Seaside Senior Fair hosted by UTMB - Galveston! See you there 🏝️

09/05/2024

During Open Enrollment, there is a higher risk than usual for fraudulent activity. Medicare has rules about how plans can and cannot communicate with you to market their insurance products. Knowing the rules and red flags can help you make the best choices for yourself during Open Enrollment. Talk to your local SHIP or SMP if you have questions or concerns about possible Medicare marketing violations. www.shiphelp.org -or- www.smpresource.org.

09/04/2024

September is National Healthcare Fraud Prevention and Awareness Month. Senior Medicare Patrols (SMPs) empower and assist Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to prevent, detect, and report healthcare fraud, errors, and abuse.

Each week, we will share how you can help prevent, detect, and report Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse.