Arkansas Insurance Department Encourages Seniors to “Prevent, Detect & Report” During Medicare Fraud Prevention Week
Arkansas Insurance Department is encouraging seniors and families across Arkansas to stay alert during Medicare Fraud Prevention Week running June 1 through June 5. Officials say Medicare fraud and abuse cost taxpayers an estimated $100 billion each year nationwide, draining resources intended for healthcare services.
According to the department, nearly 690,000 Arkansans — about 22% of the state’s population — receive Medicare benefits, making fraud prevention education especially important for older adults, caregivers, and families.
Kathleen Pursell, Arkansas Senior Medicare Patrol Program Director, says protecting seniors from scams is a shared responsibility.
The Arkansas Insurance Department is reminding Arkansans to follow the “Prevent, Detect and Report” approach to help stop Medicare fraud.
Officials say seniors should protect their Medicare number like a credit card, avoid answering calls from unknown numbers, and remain skeptical of offers involving free medical equipment, money, or gifts in exchange for personal information.
Recipients are also encouraged to carefully review Medicare Summary Notices and healthcare statements for unfamiliar charges, duplicate billing, or services they did not receive.
Anyone who suspects Medicare fraud is encouraged to immediately contact the Arkansas Senior Medicare Patrol at 1-866-726-2916 or visit ar.gov/smp for more information and reporting resources.
The Arkansas Insurance Department says protecting Medicare resources today helps preserve healthcare benefits for future generations.
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