TXSMP PROTECTS
Senior from Medicare fraud, scams
Every year, billions of dollars are lost to abuse, waste and fraud in the Medicare system. However, since 2008, the Better Business Bureau Education Foundation of Metropolitan Houston has had the Senior Medicare Patrol grant for the state of Texas. Its mission is to protect, detect, and report Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse.
The TXSMP helps educate and empower Medicare beneficiaries in the fight against health care fraud.
The team can help you with your concerns or complaints about potential fraud and abuse issues.
Seniors should note that most current Medicare schemes are Medicare Open Enrollment scams and cardiovascular genetic testing fraud.
“We're hearing reports of scammers calling Medicare beneficiaries, claiming their cardiologist wants them to have this test and offering to send a kit.
In reality, their cardiologist did not make any such request,” said Jennifer Salazar, program director with the Texas Senior Medicare Patrol.
“Their goal is not to help the beneficiary; it’s to get their Medicare information, which scammers can use to bill Medicare for medically unnecessary genetic testing.”
Medicare Open Enrollment for Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans began Oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 7.
It is important that you review your plans every year due to possible changes with your choice of physician and prescription drug coverage.