“SMPs have saved taxpayers $100 million during the last 12 years, according
to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services”
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Each year, billions of dollars are lost to Medicare and Medicaid programs due to
error, fraud, and abuse. SMP projects are dedicated to promoting consumer awareness,
preventing elder victimization, and working to implement community partnerships
to prevent Medicare and Medicaid fraud, error, and abuse. The GeorgiaCares SMP project
encourages Georgians to take an active role in protecting healthcare for current
and future generations. Our message is simple: Be informed, be aware, and be involved.
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Be informed. Seniors are informed that most providers are honest and provide
the best care they can. However, a few healthcare professionals engage in unscrupulous
practices that drain Medicare and Medicaid programs of valuable resources that affect
the quality of healthcare.
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Be aware. Medicare beneficiaries can take an active role in protecting healthcare
by reviewing their Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs), confirming that all services/supplies
were necessary and confirming that services/supplies were received. In addition,
Medicare beneficiaries should be suspicious of any service/supply that is advertised
as “free” and asks for a Medicare/Medicaid number. If a beneficiary suspects fraud,
error, and/or abuse, he/she should call their provider to discuss the problem. If
the beneficiary is not comfortable calling the provider and/or with the response
the provider gives, he/she should contact GeorgiaCares.
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You can protect yourself and help preserve the Medicare and Medicaid programs for
future generations if you...
- Never give your Medicare or Medicaid number to strangers.
- Never give your Medicare or Medicaid number to anyone offering a "free" service.
- Never accept medical supplies or equipment from a door-to-door salesperson.
- Always review your medical billing statements (most healthcare fraud involves billing
for services not provided).
- Always review your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) for errors.
- Always call your provider if you need clarification of questionable charges.
- Always keep a record of your healthcare appointments and services received.
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Be involved. Volunteers are key to our efforts. The GeorgiaCares SMP project
is actively seeking volunteers throughout Georgia to participate by giving presentations,
answering incoming phone calls, helping beneficiaries review their MSNs and assisting
with other outreach activities.
If you are interested in volunteering with the GeorgiaCares SMP project, call the
hotline (1-800-669-8387).
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 Call a local GeorgiaCares office
at 1-800-669-8387
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“The strongest defense against crime is not law enforcement, it is informed
citizens” - U.S. Health and
Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius
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