Illinois SMP Program Homepage
What is Healthcare Fraud?
What Can You Do?
Illinois SMP Materials
Illinois SMP Fraud Alerts
SMP Partner Agencies
Healthcare, Fraud, & Consumer Protection Links
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SMP STORIES
Mr. Campos was reading his Medicare Summary Notice and found a charge for home health services that he did not receive. He contacted the home health agency, but they refused to correct the charge. He contacted the SMP program and filed a report to get the charge removed and the payment returned to Medicare.
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HEALTHCARE FRAUD STATISTICS
Between 3% and 10% of healthcare spending is lost to fraud. In 2008, that is at least $68 billion! That is money out of YOUR pocket - U.S. taxpayers & Medicare beneficiaries!
Since 1997, SMP Programs across the country have saved more than $105 million for Medicare, Medicaid, and beneficiaries.
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SMP STORIES
Mrs. Johnson was put in a new insurance plan, and she didn’t even know it! A man visited her house and told her that he could "save her money," and she only needed to sign a piece of paper for more information. A month later, Mrs. Johnson found out that her doctors were no longer covered by her insurance. The agent had changed her insurance coverage without her permission. Mrs. Johnson contacted the SMP program, and the SMP Coordinator helped her get her old coverage back.
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The Illinois Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Program
Have you ever gotten a phone call from someone who said they were “from Medicare,” but to send you a new Medicare card, they need your Medicare number?
Have you ever seen something listed on your Medicare Summary Notice that you didn’t receive?
Have you had an insurance agent sign you up for an insurance plan without your permission?
If any of these have happened to you, you have experienced healthcare fraud. If you suspect fraud, please remember:
1) Healthcare fraud is not your fault. Fraud occurs in every city, in every state, every day. Scam artists will do anything to gain our trust, and even the most sensible consumers can get 'scammed.'
2) You CAN do something about it – you can report it to the Illinois SMP (Senior Medicare Patrol) Program!
What is the SMP Program?
The SMP (Senior Medicare Patrol) Program empowers consumers to prevent healthcare fraud. Program staff and volunteers help people with Medicare and Medicaid to:
1) PROTECT themselves from Medicare & Medicaid fraud, waste, and abuse.
2) DETECT Medicare & Medicaid fraud, waste, and abuse.
3) REPORT Medicare & Medicaid fraud, waste, and abuse.
The Administration on Aging provides funding to SMP programs in all 50 states; Washington, D.C.; Puerto Rico; Guam; and the Virgin Islands. The Illinois SMP Program is located at AgeOptions, the Area Agency on Aging for Suburban Cook County.
AgeOptions works with several other agencies to provide information about healthcare fraud in Illinois. These agencies are: Illinois Area Agencies on Aging, Catholic Charities, Senior Services Associates, the Coalition of Limited English Speaking Elderly, and the Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living.
SMP Partners and their Contact Information
For help finding your state’s SMP program, call AgeOptions at (800)699-9043 (Voice) or (708)524-1653 (TTY).
More information:
What is Healthcare Fraud?
What Can You Do?
Illinois SMP Materials
Volunteer with the SMP Program!
The Illinois SMP Program needs volunteers to help give presentations, distribute information at community events, and help counsel others about fraud and abuse. All interested individuals are welcome! No experience is needed – we train and support all of our volunteers.
To find out more about volunteering with SMP, contact AgeOptions at (800)699-9043 (Voice) or (708)524-1653 (TTY).