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

Renewals

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