Medicare Fraud Prevention Week: How You Can Help Protect Yourself and Your Community

Medicare fraud isn’t just a financial issue—it’s a community issue. Each year, Medicare loses an estimated $60 billion to fraud, and the impact reaches far beyond dollars. Fraud can cost older adults their time, peace of mind, medical identity, and even their health. Families and caregivers often carry the burden too, helping loved ones recover from fraudulent activity and navigating the stress that comes with it.

That’s why Medicare Fraud Prevention Week, held annually during the week of June 5, is so important. The date is intentional—most people become eligible for Medicare at age 65, and the “6‑5” reminder helps keep fraud prevention top of mind.

At AAASWFL, we’re proud to support the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program and its mission to empower Medicare beneficiaries, families, caregivers, and community partners with the tools they need to PROTECT, DETECT, and REPORT Medicare fraud.

Medicare fraud has a devastating impact on both beneficiaries and the Medicare program. SMP programs across the country work every day to teach people how to avoid scams and safeguard their benefits.

How You Can Participate During Medicare Fraud Prevention Week

Everyone has a role to play in preventing fraud. Here’s how different groups can get involved:

Medicare Beneficiaries

• Review Medicare Summary Notices and Explanation of Benefits statements regularly.
• Make sure the services listed match what you actually received.
• Request a free My Health Care Tracker from your local SMP to stay organized.

Families & Caregivers

• Watch for suspicious items—like unrequested knee braces or medical equipment—that may arrive without approval.
• Help loved ones protect their Medicare number like a credit card.
• Assist with creating a Medicare.gov account or reviewing mailed statements.
• Register phone numbers on “Do Not Call” lists and opt out of unsolicited mail at optoutprescreen.com.

Community Partners

• Share SMP information on social media or newsletters.
• Refer clients to the SMP for help.
• Invite SMP staff to speak at community events.

Health Care Professionals

• Talk with patients about common scams, including genetic testing and durable medical equipment schemes.
• Remind patients that medical items should only be ordered by providers they know and trust.

Neighbors & Community Members

• Look out for older adults who may be targeted in public spaces, such as being pressured to buy large amounts of gift cards.
• Share information about current Medicare scams.
• Encourage older adults to ask questions and seek trusted guidance.
• Consider volunteering with the local SMP.

AAASWFL and SMP: Here to Help

The Senior Medicare Patrol is ready to support you with free, confidential assistance. SMP staff and volunteers help older adults:

• Understand their Medicare statements
• Spot potential fraud or billing errors
• Report concerns safely
• Learn how to protect themselves from future scams

We teach people how to avoid experiencing Medicare fraud. By preventing fraud from happening, this program helps individuals and protects the Medicare program for generations to come.

Medicare Fraud Prevention Week is a perfect time to start new habits, share information, and strengthen our community’s defenses against fraud. Together, we can protect the health and financial well‑being of older adults across Southwest Florida.

Join us online, June 3 to learn how you can protect yourself and your loved ones from Medicare fraud. Register today.

Request a free My Health Care Tracker, a fraud-fighting tool designed to help you track what happens at your health appointments. Contact your local SMP by calling the Helpline at 866-413-5337 or submit a Contact Request Form online.