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North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey is highlighting the importance of the public protecting themselves against acts of Medicare fraud during Medicare Fraud Prevention Week, which began June 5 and runs through June 11.

Criminal acts of fraud costs Medicare an estimated $60 billion per year and costs Medicare beneficiaries valuable time, stress, their medical identity and even their health. It costs families, friends and caregivers in worry and lost work when helping their loved ones recover from falling victim to Medicare fraud.

“Medicare fraud has a devastating impact on both beneficiaries and the Medicare program,” said Causey. “Medicare beneficiaries and seniors in North Carolina are encouraged to protect, detect and report suspected fraud, errors and abuse.

“Our N.C. Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program teaches people how to avoid experiencing Medicare fraud. By preventing fraud from happening, this program helps individuals and protects the Medicare program for generations to come.”

Consumers can learn more about fraud by joining the SMP and their partners for Medicare Fraud Prevention Week. The start date was June 5 – or “6-5” – because most people become eligible for Medicare when they turn 65 years old.

The North Carolina SMP Program is housed within the Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program at the North Carolina Department of Insurance.

SMPs help educate and empower Medicare beneficiaries in the fight against health care fraud. SMPs can help with questions, concerns or complaints about potential fraud and abuse issues. It also provides information and educational presentations.

Learn more about Medicare Fraud Prevention Week at www.smpresource.org.

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