SENIOR MEDICARE PATROL

Wyoming Senior Citizens, Inc. in partnership with the Administration on Aging, began a three-year project entitled Senior Patrol. The Senior Medicare Patrol Program is designed to educate seniors and the general public to identify Medicare/Medicaid fraud, waste and abuse. Wyoming Senior Citizens, Inc.,  and the Wyoming State Health Insurance Information Program leading the project. The WSHIIP Volunteers are now trained to be SMP volunteers also.

Seniors and others on Medicare are urged to check all of their Medicare Summary Notices.  If they find billing errors they are encouraged to check with their providers.  If they are not satisfied with the answers they receive, they may call 1-800-856-4398.  Currently, we have 82 Senior Medicare Patrol counselors who will help beneficiaries with their questions and with reporting fraudulent claims.  All of this will be confidential and free.

THE NEW MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE
TIPS ON AVOIDING FRAUD 
Have you heard about Medicare's new prescription drug coverage?  You'll be hearing a lot about it this year.  The plan will help many people lower their prescription drug costs, so it's worth finding out more.  While you're checking it out, remember that there are some scams out there.  This sheet will help you spot them.  Read on for the things you need to know to avoid fraud.  

DON'T SHARE ACCOUNT NUMBERS.  If anyone contacts you and asks for your bank, checking, credit card or investment account numbers, don't give them up.  Even if the person says he or she is from a group you trust, it's probably a scam.

SIGNING UP IS FREE.  You never have to pay for a form, or to get help filling it out.  The forms to sign up are free, and there's plenty of free help in your community.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO SIGN UP.  Medicare's prescription drug plan may be good for many people, but you don't have to sign up.  Even if you don't choose a plan, you won't lose your other benefits from Medicare (Parts A and B).  If anyone tries to tell you otherwise, they're wrong.  If you have coverage through a former employer or union, you must check with them to see how the new prescription drug plan may affect your coverage.  

Visit the Medicare Fraud and Abuse link for current Medicare fraud schemes of home health agencies and hospices. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

YOU CAN HELP SAVE MEDICARE!

QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL BILLS?

CALL US TODAY!!

Wyoming State Health Insurance Information Program

Senior Medicare Patrol

1-800-856-4398

OMBUDSMAN    COMPANIONS   HOME   INSURANCE  FAMILY CAREGIVER SUPPORT