Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)
Helping Beneficiaries Prevent, Detect, and Report Medicare Fraud
Medicare fraud costs taxpayers billions and puts your health at risk. Maryland’s SMP program empowers you to stop scammers in their tracks. Our trained counselors provide free, confidential assistance to help you stay safe. SMP can help you:
- Identify Scams: Learn to spot the red flags of new and emerging Medicare fraud.
- Review Statements: Not sure about a charge? We’ll help you review your Medicare statements.
- Report Errors: If something looks wrong, we guide you through the reporting process to ensure your benefits are protected.
- Spread the Word: We provide free presentations for senior centers, faith groups, and community organizations.
Revised SHIP Accordian
Maryland's 19 State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offices provide one-on-one assistance and community education on ways to navigate Medicare, learn about savings programs, and ways to prevent, detect, and report fraud. Calls are free and confidential. Connect with your local SHIP office to get support from trained SHIP, SMP, and Medicare Savings (MIPPA) counselors.
- Allegany County: 301-783-1710
- Anne Arundel County: 410-222-4077
- Baltimore City: 410-396-2273
- Baltimore County: 410-887-2059
- Calvert County: 410-535-4606
- Caroline County: 410-479-2535
- Carroll County: 410-386-3800
- Cecil County: 410-996-8174
- Charles County: 301-934-9305
- Dorchester County: 410-376-3662
- Frederick County: 301-600-1234
- Garrett County: 301-334-9431
- Harford County: 410-638-3025
- Howard County: 410-313-7392
- Kent County: 410-778-2564
- Montgomery County: 301-255-4250
- Prince George’s County: 301-265-8471
- Queen Anne’s County: 410-758-0848
- Somerset County: 410-742-0505
- St. Mary’s County: 301-475-4200
- Talbot County: 410-822-2869
- Washington County: 301-790-0275
- Wicomico County: 410-742-0505
- Worcester County: 410-742-0505
Can you Spot a Scam?
A scammer may say you’re pre-approved or insist you’ll lose your benefits if you don’t switch. Legitimate agents will never cold-call you or pressure you to change your coverage.
Protect your Benefits Against Fraud
Treat your Medicare number like your Social Security number or a credit card.
- The Golden Rule: Never give your Medicare number to anyone who calls, emails, or visits you uninvited.
- Ignore "Free" Offers: If they offer free braces, genetic testing, or flex cards in exchange for your number, it’s a scam.
- Medicare Doesn't Call: Real Medicare representatives will almost never call you unexpectedly.
Errors and fraud often go unnoticed because people don't check their statements.
- Keep a Log: Use our free My Health Care Tracker to write down doctor visits and tests.
- Read Your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) and/or Explanation of Benefits (EOB): When you get your MSN or EOB, check for services/items you didn't receive or doctors you didn't see.
- Use the App: Download the SMP Tracker App to track your appointments on your smartphone or contact SMP to request a booklet.
If you see a suspicious charge or think you’ve been scammed, call your local SMP representative immediately. Reporting doesn't just protect you, it protects your neighbors and the entire Medicare program.
Information and Resources
- Download Senior Medicare Patrol - PDF - 190.04 KB for more information on Maryland's SMP Program.
- Sign Up for Fraud Alerts
- Guide: Protect Yourself from Fraud - PDF - PDF
- Guide: How to Read Your Medicare Statements
- Common Fraud Schemes
Become an SMP Volunteer
SHIP volunteers are members of your community, often your peers, who have been trained and certified as Medicare experts. If you enjoy problem-solving and want to make a tangible difference in the lives of older adults in Maryland, complete a volunteer interest form.