SMP

Maine's Senior Medicare Patrol

SMP is......                     A coalition of health and social Services, government, insurance and advocacy organizations working together to educate Maine consumers about Medicare and Mainecare as well as how to maximize benefits, identify and reduce errors, fraud, waste and abuse of those benefits.

What does SMP do?  Recruit and train volunteers to become Medicare advocates. Help Medicare beneficiaries understand their statements (MSN's or EOMB's). Speak to groups about Medicare and Mainecare. Participate in health fairs to give out information. Visit elders at home to explain their statements when needed.

Looking for a meaningful volunteer experience? SMP is looking for you!! NEEDED: Volunteer Medicare speakers for groups Volunteers who enjoy counseling people one on one Volunteers to distribute information at community events

What you can do....  Protect your Medicare care as you do your credit cards. Use a calendar to keep track of health care received. Compare Medicare notices to your calendar to make sure they correspond and you really got the services. Never give out your Medicare number over the phone. Never give out your Medicare number to receive something "FREE". If you have questions about Medicare call 1-877-Elders-1 (1-877-353-3771)

To volunteer or for more information please call 1-877-353-3771 ext 547

Did you know?

According to reports from the recent United Nations Conference on Aging it is estimated that by the year 2052, every third person in the world will be 65 or older. For the first time in history, the elderly will out number the youth.

In 2000 183,402 Maine residents are age 65 or older.

Last year Medicare Part A (Associated hospital Services of Maine) the carrier for Part A Medicare in Maine, received 513 complaints from Medicare beneficiaries. The savings recouped from those calls were $52,327.00. Seventy-Eight percent (78%) of the savings were from services billed to Medicare but never received by the beneficiary, 13% of the savings came from questionable billing of care issues and misrepresentation.

You too can make a difference, educate yourself about Medicare and consider volunteering for SMP.

Medicare D Information Place