posted on January 5, 2026
Senior Medicare Patrol
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As we step into the New Year, many are making resolutions to make 2026 our best year yet. At the
Missouri SMP, we are too! We invite you to join us in making a commitment to protect yourself and
others from Medicare fraud this year. Here’s how you can help:

I will PREVENT fraud from happening. The best way to stop fraud is to prevent it in the first place:

  • Treat your Medicare card like a credit card. Keep it in a secure location and only
    share it with trusted healthcare professionals.
  • Be cautious with “free” medical services. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually
    is!
  • Remember… Medicare won’t call or visit you.

I will DETECT fraud on my Medicare Summary Notices. It’s important to regularly check your statements for any signs of fraud:

  • Use My Health Care Tracker or the My Health Care Tracker App to keep track of
    your medical appointments and details.
  • Create a profile on Medicare.gov to review current and past MSN’s.
  • Look for services you didn’t receive and watch for double billing.
  • Check for services you didn’t ask for or were not prescribed by your doctor.

I will REPORT any potential fraud I see. If you notice something suspicious on your statements:

  • Call your healthcare provider to ask about the charges or services.
  • Call the Missouri SMP at 888-515-6565 to report potential fraud.

The Missouri SMP is here to provide you with information you need to protect, detect, and report potential Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse. If you think you or a loved one has been a target of a Medicare scam, call the Missouri SMP at 888-515-6565

Let’s work together to prevent, detect, and report Medicare fraud and make 2026 a year of greater awareness and protection for us all!

This project was supported, in part, by the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $638,014 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government

Aging Ahead
Aging Ahead supports individuals through the journey of aging.

Comments 12

  1. Daphne Phillips
    • Reply

    Thanks for the information on My Healthcare Tracker. I use MyChart with my appointments, meds, physicians, etc. If the above can track fraud, let me add the app. Turning 65 this month!:)

  9. mary scialfa
    • Reply

    If those guilty of fraud —criminals—put that negative energy to good use instead, think what a difference our world would be

  10. margaret conners
    • Reply

    The information on fraud is very helpful! Fraud is everywhere in our society.

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