SMP Fact Sheet

Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Program - Florida

SMP FRAUD HOTLINE: 1-866-357-6677 Serves the entire state of Florida. Call for information and to report suspected health care fraud or waste (toll-free; fully operational since early 2005).

PROGRAM ESTABLISHED: July 1999 (regional); July 2005 (statewide)

PRIMARY FUNDER: U.S. Administration on Aging

CONTRACT MANAGER: Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas, Inc.

MISSION: To recruit and train senior volunteers to educate beneficiaries and caregivers on Medicare and Medicaid fraud, waste and abuse and to assist in the review and reporting of suspected cases on their individual accounts.

NETWORK: SMP is supported by the joint efforts of national, state and local aging network advocates as well as volunteers from traditional community-based organizations who serve to strengthen the health care anti-fraud and abuse program. Such partnerships are essential in the statewide efforts of this project, which include the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services - Miami Satellite Division, Florida Department of Elder Affairs SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders), Attorney General?s office and Seniors vs. Crime Project.

EDUCATION: SMP provides learning opportunities through attendance at forums, health fairs, expos and presentations. Presentations include information and assistance on "Protecting Yourself and Your Healthcare Accounts from Fraud"; "Understanding Your Medicare Summary Notice"; and "Medicare Part D and Protecting Your Personal Information". At every opportunity, consumers are encouraged to call the SMP Fraud Hotline to report any suspicion of fraud on their healthcare accounts.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Since 1999 SMP has trained 496 volunteers, conducted 2149 educational/media activities, reached approximately 11 million people, handled 863 cases and helped recover $196,553.00. These numbers include the activities that have taken place in South Florida since December 2005, which are as follows: 17 educational/media activities conducted, approximately 100,000 people reached and 34 cases referred for investigation.

SMP FRAUD HOTLINE: 1-866-357-6677 (toll-free; fully operational since early 2005)

SMP BROCHURES: Available as pdf files

Protect Yourself Brochure

SMP Brochure in Spanish

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Successful community partnerships and local volunteer support are the keys to the success of the SMP program. If you are interested in volunteering, or an organization that wants to talk about partnership opportunities, call toll-free 1-866-357-6677.