Scam/News
National Volunteer Network Helps Seniors Detect & Prevent Fraud and AbuseJune 1st, 2006
Washington, DC-- The US Administration on Aging's (AOA) Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program saved taxpayers a total of $162,192 in 2005 and more than $104 million since 1997, according to an April evaluation report from the Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (OIG). In addition to other notable results, one project's referrals resulted in the removal of eleven providers from the Medicare program for fraudulent and abusive billing practices.
SMPs have worked closely with Health Integrity, the CMS contractor responsible for handling potential fraud and abuse complaints for the drug program. In separate correspondence, Health Integrity has indicated that SMP complaints on the whole have a higher rate of referral for law enforcement or regulatory action than others they have received. These complaints include the well publicized $299 phony plan scam being investigated by the OIG and deceptive marketing practices targeting non-English speaking seniors.
SMPs will continue to work with the Medicare program and other national and local partners to conduct outreach and education as general enrollment for the new Medicare Prescription Drug benefit closes. At the same time, they'll be keeping a watchful eye on other aspects of the Medicare, Medicaid and other health care programs which continue to present high risk for errors, fraud and abuse.