By Lucilia Prates, MA SMP Program Director
The Massachusetts Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Program joined other SMP Programs across the country, and federal agencies, namely the Administration for Community Living and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, to recognize this year’s Medicare Fraud Prevention Week, June 1–5, 2026. This annual effort, commemorating its 6th anniversary, helped raise awareness among Medicare beneficiaries, family members, caregivers, and professionals about the importance of protecting consumers from healthcare fraud, errors, and abuse, which can contribute to substantial financial losses and significantly impact one’s healthcare.
Medicare fraud costs American taxpayers over $60 billion dollars annually and puts beneficiaries at risk for medical identity theft, inaccurate medical records, and unnecessary services.
During Medicare Fraud Prevention Week, the MA SMP Program attended or hosted five outreach activities, two educational presentations, and a very robust public awareness media campaign across the Commonwealth.
As a result of the MA SMP Program’s efforts, the office has received a record number of complaints from Medicare beneficiaries and family members across the state. Consumers have called and emailed to report erroneous claims on their Medicare Summary Notices, such as Intermittent Urinary Catheters being billed to their Medicare numbers, incorrect bills from ambulatory healthcare services, and other questionable charges for Durable Medical Equipment such as braces, diabetic supplies, ointments, and genetic tests. One beneficiary even called to report over $100,000 worth of charges from three different and unknown providers in states he has never been to.
“Medicare fraud affects more than finances,” said Lucilia Prates, MA SMP Program Statewide Director. “It can compromise a person’s medical identity and records, create barriers to receiving appropriate care or equipment, and leaves beneficiaries vulnerable to additional scams.”
Residents are strongly encouraged to:
- Review Medicare Summary Notices, Explanation of Benefits, and other billing statements
- Protect their Medicare number and personal health information
- Detect common fraud schemes and deceptive marketing tactics, and
- Report suspected fraud, errors, or abuse to the MA SMP Program
The MA SMP Program also encourages beneficiaries to keep a detailed record of each of their healthcare appointments, prescriptions, and medical services by using a personal healthcare journal, My Health Care Tracker. FREE COPIES are available from the MA SMP Program. Beneficiaries may also download the SMP Medicare Tracker app through the App Store.
“Prevention begins with awareness,” added Prates. “When beneficiaries review their statements, ask questions, and report suspicious activity, they help protect the integrity of Medicare and themselves.”
The MA SMP Program works year-round to educate and empower older adults, family members, and caregivers across Massachusetts to recognize and report suspicious activity. Anyone who suspects Medicare fraud or would like assistance addressing healthcare billing concerns is encouraged to contact the MA SMP Program at (800) 892-0890 or visit MASMP.org.
The MA SMP Program is a federally funded initiative dedicated to helping Medicare beneficiaries, family members, and caregivers prevent, detect, and report healthcare fraud, errors, and abuse. The MA SMP Program operates under the leadership of AgeSpan, Inc. and works in partnership with community-based organizations and agencies statewide. Contact us if you would like a presentation delivered in your community or to your constituents. Also, please feel free to contact us if you are looking for a meaningful volunteer opportunity.
Disclaimer: This publication is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $606,780 with 100% funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
