How to apply for Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)

Who it's for

The Senior Medicare Patrol helps people with Medicare — and their families and caregivers — spot, stop, and report Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse. A trained SMP team member will help you read a confusing Medicare Summary Notice or Explanation of Benefits, check whether you were billed for a service or device you never received, recognize the phone and door-to-door scams that target seniors (fake 'new Medicare card' calls, free-brace or free-test schemes), and report anything suspicious to the right investigators. The service is free and available to everyone on Medicare regardless of income. SMP is run by the federal Administration for Community Living and operates a local program in every state. Catching one bogus charge can save you hundreds of dollars and protects the Medicare Trust Fund for everyone.

What you'll need

• Your Medicare Summary Notices (Original Medicare) or Explanation of Benefits (Medicare Advantage / Part D)
• Any suspicious bill, statement, or marketing call details you want reviewed
• Your Medicare card (to confirm what you are actually enrolled in)

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need your Medicare Summary Notices (Original Medicare) or Explanation of Benefits (Medicare Advantage / Part D), any suspicious bill, statement, or marketing call details you want reviewed, your Medicare card (to confirm what you are actually enrolled in) — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Gather your Medicare card, your most recent Medicare Summary Notices (if you have Original Medicare) or Explanation of Benefits (if you have Medicare Advantage or Part D), and any suspicious bills, statements, or notes about marketing calls you want reviewed.
2. Contact your local Senior Medicare Patrol by calling 1-877-808-2468 or by applying online through the official SMP website.
3. Speak with or connect to a trained SMP team member and describe your concern — whether it is a confusing statement, a charge for a service or device you never received, or a suspicious phone or door-to-door contact.
4. Share the relevant documents or details with the SMP team member so they can help you review the information and identify any errors, fraud, or abuse.
5. Work with the SMP team member to report anything suspicious to the right investigators — they will guide you through that process.

What to expect: After you reach out, a trained SMP team member will review your Medicare documents and concerns with you at no cost. There is no formal application approval process — SMP is a free assistance service open to anyone on Medicare, regardless of income. There is no renewal required. Any time a Medicare charge looks wrong, a bill seems unfamiliar, or a Medicare-related scam contacts you, simply reach out to SMP again for help.

Renewals

none (contact your SMP whenever a charge looks wrong or a Medicare-related scam reaches you)