Lawrence, Mass. – September 17, 2026 -- Massachusetts Medicare beneficiaries can now get free, confidential help checking their bills for fraud through the state's Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Program, following National "Report Medicare Fraud" Day on September 12.
Beneficiaries are urged to compare bills against actual care received
The MA SMP Program advises Medicare recipients to cross-check their Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs), Explanations of Benefits (EOBs), and other billing statements against the healthcare services they actually received. Charges for unfamiliar equipment, tests, or services not received are red flags worth reporting.
The program steps in when beneficiaries can't resolve issues alone
When a suspicious charge can't be sorted out directly, MA SMP reviews the situation and determines next steps, including referring suspected fraud or abuse cases to investigative authorities.
"Beneficiaries reviewing their MSNs and EOBs and reporting any and all discrepancies is essential to fighting Medicare fraud," said Lucilia Prates, Statewide Director of the Massachusetts Senior Medicare Patrol Program. "If they see something, they should say something."
Help is available by phone or online across the Commonwealth
Massachusetts residents, family members, and caregivers can reach the MA SMP Program at (800) 892-0890 or through masmp.org for individualized assistance. The program operates under the leadership of AgeSpan, Inc. and is funded through a financial assistance award from the Administration for Community Living, totaling $606,780.