Medicare Fraud Prevention Week: What Hawai‘i residents need to know

The Hawai‘i Department of Health’s Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) is encouraging residents to take action during Medicare Fraud Prevention Week, observed June 1–7, by learning how to spot and report suspicious activity.

SMP Hawai‘i, a volunteer-based federal program administered under the state health department, has said that Medicare fraud, abuse and billing errors cost the US more than $60 billion annually, putting a critical program for seniors at risk.

“Medicare fraud and abuse can block people’s access to potentially lifesaving services and benefits,” said SMP Hawai‘i Director Norma Kop. “We teach kūpuna how to prevent, detect and report Medicare fraud and scams.”

The Patrol will host a free Zoom webinar on Saturday, June 7, from 10 to 11 a.m., covering the basics of Medicare fraud, emerging scam tactics and opportunities to volunteer. The session is open to the public. Register here.

SMP provides free counseling, presentations and resources for Medicare beneficiaries, caregivers and professionals. Services include help with identifying billing discrepancies, navigating fraud resolution and learning how to use digital tools like MyChart and Medicare.gov safely.

In addition to direct support, SMP works with healthcare providers, community organizations and law enforcement to educate the public and build fraud prevention networks statewide.

Kop said Hawai‘i’s high life expectancy makes kūpuna a growing target for scammers, who are increasingly using sophisticated tactics including artificial intelligence. “Education is the best place to start and to protect ourselves and our loved ones,” she said.

Tips to prevent Medicare fraud:

• Review your Medicare statements. Look for services you did not receive or charges you do not recognize.
• Protect your Medicare number – never share it with strangers or unverified contacts.
• Avoid unsolicited phone calls, emails or postal mail asking for your Medicare number or personal information.
• Watch for unauthorized medical equipment deliveries
• Report suspected fraud to SMP Hawai‘i at 1-800-296-9422 or info@smphawaii.org

Families can talk to loved ones about protecting their Medicare number just as they would a credit card number. They can help to create a Medicare.gov account to access Medicare statements online to see what services were billed using their number. They should register their phone number on the “do not call” directory and stop mailings through optoutprescreen.com.

Free educational booklets, including “Computer Basics” (Issues 1–4), are available to help kūpuna navigate online safety. To request a copy or get assistance, visit www.smphawaii.org, call 1-800-296-9422, or email info@smphawaii.org.

SMP Hawaiʻi has community volunteer opportunities to assist older neighbors and friends. Learn how to become a volunteer here.

For more, follow SMP Hawai‘i on Facebook @smphawaii808.