About Medicare Fraud

Medicare fraud is a widespread problem that costs taxpayers in Delaware and around the country a great deal of money. Fraud occurs when:

• Healthcare providers charge Medicare for services or medical equipment that they did not provide.
• Providers charge Medicare for services or medical equipment that were not needed.
• Providers overcharge Medicare for services or equipment.
• Insurance companies use untrue information to get people to join a Medicare plan.
• Someone steals and falsely uses another person's Medicare number.

Fortunately, most providers are honest and problems that might seem like fraud are often the result of billing errors or misunderstandings. Still, it is important for Medicare beneficiaries to be watchful. Programs are available around the country to help Medicare beneficiaries take an active role in preventing, detecting and/or reporting possible fraud. The program in Delaware for helping Medicare beneficiaries fight fraud is known as the Delaware Senior Medicare Patrol Program.

Delaware Senior Medicare Patrol Program

The Delaware Senior Medicare Patrol Program provides public information to encourage Medicare beneficiaries to carefully read their Medicare summary notices and ask questions if they do not think the information is correct. The program also trains volunteers to help Medicare beneficiaries get the information they need when they suspect fraud, waste, or abuse of the Medicare program.

Follow this link to read more about the Delaware Senior Medicare Patrol Program and find out how to report suspected Medicare fraud in Delaware.

Publications

• How to Protect Yourself Against Medicare Fraud
• Cómo Protegerse del Fraude Contra Su Medicare

Request an Information Packet or Virtual Presentation

Want paper copies of Medicare fraud resource materials? Contact the Delaware Senior Medicare Patrol Program at 302-255-9510 (New Castle County) or 302-424-8654 (Kent/Sussex Counties) and request an information packet.

Would you like to schedule a virtual presentation for your group or club?  See the SMP Flyer.

Become a Senior Medicare Patrol Volunteer

Visit the Delaware Senior Medicare Patrol Program Volunteer Opportunities page to learn about volunteering with the Delaware Senior Medicare Patrol Program. Your help is needed!

Medicare Links

• Medicare.gov
• Medicare and You
• My Medicare
• Delaware Medicare Assistance Bureau
• See the Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid Information page for additional links

Medicare Fraud Links

• Centers for Medicare and Medicaid - Medicare Fraud and Abuse Information
• Administration for Community Living - Senior Medicare Patrols
• Senior Medicare Patrol National Resource Center

More Information

For more information, contact the Delaware Senior Medicare Patrol Program at 302-255-9510 (New Castle County) or 302-424-8654 (Kent/Sussex Counties).