Senior Medicare Patrol

Our Purpose

In 2010, we partnered with the Utah Department of Aging Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program in Salt Lake City. Our purpose is to focus on prevention, with a mission of empowering Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to prevent, detect, and report health care fraud and identity theft, errors, and abuse through outreach and education. We are uniquely positioned to give and be the contact source of educating and training on Medicare scams, fraud and discuss/answer the 10-Most Common Medicare Questions an individual/client may have.

The SMP is a national program for people with Medicare of all ages. SMP is administered by the Administration for Community Living. To learn more, volunteer or to locate your local Senior Medicare Patrol please call 1-877-808-2468 or visit https://www.smpresource.org.

Do you think you are a victim of Medicare fraud or abuse?

If you need help contacting your local SMP, fill out the form here: https://smpresource.news/Contact

With the Northern Utah Coalition, Inc. (NUC) and the Utah Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) collaboration for over 15 years, we offer a one hour or less FREE Protecting Medicare and You from Identity Theft and discuss Medicare's 10-Most Common Questions presentation to your business or organization. For more information or to schedule a presentation, call Monday-Thursday, 9:00 am-5:00 pm at (801) 393.4153.

Happy summer, everyone! As we embark on our sunny adventures, it’s important to remember that if you’re traveling outside the U.S., Medicare typically doesn’t cover healthcare there. Exceptions are made in emergencies in neighboring territories or if a foreign hospital is closer than the nearest U.S. facility.

If you’re planning a trip, consider looking into travel insurance for better coverage while you’re away. It’s a smart move to check with an insurance agent or travel agent for more info and costs. Just remember, not all travel insurance includes health coverage, so be sure to read the details carefully! Enjoy a safe and wonderful summer filled with great memories!

#MedicareCoverage #TravelInsurance #MedicareHelp #FirstDayOfSummer

The stress of affording your medication is a familiar feeling for too many people. In this blog, shiphelp.org/part-d-costs , you'll learn ways to make your prescription drugs more affordable, including cost assistance programs, helpful strategies to discuss with your doctor, and recent changes to Medicare that should lower many people’s drug costs this year and into the future.

#partD #MedicareCosts #MedicareHelp #SHIPHelp

As you prepare for retirement and become eligible for Medicare, it's important to review your current health coverage options, including any retiree insurance from your employer. Make sure to enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B within the designated time frame to avoid penalties and ensure you receive full benefits. Additionally, consider consulting with an employer benefits administrator or your local SHIP to understand how your retiree coverage integrates with Medicare and whether you need supplemental insurance.

#retirement #MedicareEnrollment #turning65

Are you new to Medicare or facing some challenges? We’re here to help! In this video, you'll learn how your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) can support you. Our trained counselors offer free and private help for questions about costs, coverage, finding doctors, and fixing billing issues. Medicare can be confusing, but you don't have to navigate it alone!

Full video: youtu.be/2nDOXhvHy2c

The SHIP program locator is an easy-to-use tool that helps you find local SHIP programs in your area. Whether you have questions about Medicare, Medicare cost assistance programs, or how other health coverage works with Medicare, you can connect with trained counselors who offer free and unbiased support. With SHIP’s assistance, you can make informed choices about your health insurance and ensure you get the care you need. Visit shiphelp.org/locations/

Are your out-of-pocket costs adding up every time you go to the doctor? You may want to learn about Medigaps—the supplemental insurance policies that work with Original Medicare. This blog covers the basics of Medigaps, when you can purchase one, and how they compare to other coverage options. shiphelp.org/medigaps

Join our amazing team of SHIP volunteers! Our diverse and multilingual counselors bring empathy and understanding to those navigating Medicare, offering personalized support to our community. By volunteering, you can make a real difference in someone’s life while gaining valuable experience and connections. Together, we create a stronger community that understands and respects the unique challenges faced by individuals navigating Medicare. We believe that everyone deserves access to the resources they need, and our volunteers are here to help! Learn more:shiphelp.org/volunteers

#volunteer #MedicareHelp #SHIPHelp

Many people wonder if they need to enroll in Medicare when they turn 65 if they have employer-sponsored health insurance. The answer can vary based on several factors.

Misunderstandings can lead to late enrollment penalties, gaps in coverage, and unexpected health costs. Read this blog from SHIP National Technical Assistance Center to learn more about Medicare and employer coverage. https://www.shiphelp.org/.../medicare-and-employer-coverage

Social Security Online Access

Did you know you can manage your Social Security online by creating a my Social Security account?

Reference: www.smpresource.org

My Social Security is a secure account that puts you in control with access to your information from any device. Encourage a family member to create their personal my Social Security account today: http://ow.ly/AQVz50L1iTX.

SMP Consumer Fraud Alert

Be alert for free seminars offering expensive or investigational treatments not covered by Medicare.

Be wary of free seminars about cellular or regenerative therapy, as these services could result in expensive out-of-pocket costs.

Before signing a contract or financing agreement, talk to your primary physician if you are told you need investigational treatments not covered by Medicare.

Have you gotten a call saying your Medicare card is about to expire or has expired? Maybe a mention of a new card with a microchip? This is a scam. Medicare cards never expire and they do not have microchips. If you gave out your information, please report it to the SMP.

Senior Medicare Patrol: 3 Tips to Help Prevent Medicare Fraud for Families and Caregivers

ACL's Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program shares three simple ways families and caregivers of Medicare beneficiaries can help prevent Medicare fraud.Learn m...

It's okay to let a call go to voicemail. In fact, it's one of the best ways to prevent a scam! Let callers leave a message and you can decide whether or not to call them back.

1. This gives you time to think about what they are saying and doesn't put pressure on you.

2. You can look up phone numbers to be sure the calls were from real organizations.

3. If they don't leave a message, then you don't need to worry about it.

Protect yourself from being scammed by screening calls. Follow the SMP National Resource Center for more information.

Reference: www.smpresource.org

Exciting news - The Senior Medicare Patrol has a brand-new app! The SMP Medicare Tracker app will help you prevent, detect, & report Medicare fraud, errors, & abuse with news, scam alerts, an interactive game, & a digital My Health Care Tracker!

What feature are you most excited about?

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Top scams of 2024

By BCP Staff

March 10, 2025

Did you or someone you know report a scam to the FTC in 2024? Thank you! Those reports help the FTC bring enforcement cases and educate people about scams. Let’s jump into the top 2024 scams.

The headline is this: even though the number of fraud reports is roughly the same as last year, more people lost a lot more money to fraud. One in three people who reported fraud said they lost money (up from one in four last year), adding up to $12.5 billion (up $2.5 billion from 2023). People lost over $3 billion to scams that started online, compared to approximately $1.9 billion lost to more “traditional” contact methods like calls, texts, or emails. However, people lost more money per person (a median of $1,500) when they interacted with scammers on the phone. And, once again, imposter scams topped the list of scams reported.

Here are some other things to know:

The biggest scam losses happened by bank transfer or payment. Among all payment methods, people reported losing

more money through a bank transfer or payment ($2 billion), followed by cryptocurrency at $1.4 billion.

Investment scams led to big losses. A majority (79%) of people who reported an investment-related scam lost money, with a median loss of over $9,000. The $5.7 billion losses in this category are up about $1 billion from last year.
People reported losing money more often when contacted through social media. Most people (70%) reported a loss when contacted on a social media platform — and lost more money overall ($1.9 billion).
Job scams and fake employment agency losses jumped — a lot. Between 2020-2024, reports nearly tripled and losses grew from $90 million to $501 million.
Younger people lost money more often. People aged 20-29 reported losing money more often than people 70+. But when older adults lost money, they lost far more than any other age group.
That call or email saying you missed jury duty and need to pay? It’s a scam

If you’ve been summoned for jury duty, you know there are serious consequences for missing it — like fines, court appointments, or even jail time. Scammers know this too, and they’re calling and

Fake check scam targets online car sellers

Are you selling a car online? If so, know that scammers may target you. They’ll pretend to be a buyer and try to trick you into sending them money.

Sign over a portion of your VA benefits? Nope, that’s a scam

Whether you served for four, ten, or twenty years, veterans' pension and disability benefits might be an important — often essential — part of your life after the military. That’s why scammers call

Did someone use your SSN to file taxes? Here’s what to do

If you’re filing your taxes online this year, watch for signs of tax identity theft, like someone using your Social Security number (SSN) to file and claim a tax refund. One way you’ll know is if the

Looking for love? Watch out for scammers

Thinking of trying your luck with an online dating app, or getting to know someone you’ve met on social media? Before you do, make sure you know how to spot a romance scammer. Here’s a typical romance

Tax season 2025: where to find help

Tax season is here and people have questions. Where to file? How to file? Can I file online? For free? For those answers, always start with the official IRS website at irs.gov.

Have a problem with something you bought?

The holiday shopping season is over, but the issues you’re having with a product might not be. Here’s what to do about it. Disappointed by a product or service? It’s a good idea to go back to the

Four ways to avoid scams after a weather-related disaster

Whenever severe weather strikes — blizzards, heavy winds, or the recent devastating fires in Los Angeles — you can bet scammers are following the news to target people affected.

The biggest takeaway? Your reports make a difference. If you see a fraud or scam, the FTC wants to hear about it: go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between fraud, errors, or abuse? This scale of intent can help show the difference. #MedicareFraud #SeniorMedicarePatrol #PreventDetectReport

Question... Did you know you can sign up for Medicare's newsletter?

Sign up for emails from #Medicare to get updates and important reminders sent right to your inbox. Visit www.Medicare.gov and scroll down to “Get important new & updates” to sign up.