Medicare Fraud Prevention Week: Protecting Your Benefits and Your Future

Every year, Medicare loses billions of dollars to fraud, errors, and abuse. Unfortunately, scammers continue to target older adults by using increasingly sophisticated tactics to steal personal information and Medicare benefits.

That’s why June 1–5, 2026, has been designated as Medicare Fraud Prevention Week – a national campaign led by Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) to educate beneficiaries, caregivers, and families about preventing Medicare fraud.

Why Medicare Fraud Matters?

Medicare fraud affects more than just individual beneficiaries. Fraudulent claims and scams increase healthcare costs and can compromise personal and financial security.

The good news? There are simple steps everyone can take to protect themselves.

Remember: Prevent, Detect, Report

Prevent

Protect your Medicare number just as you would a credit card. Never share it with unsolicited callers, telemarketers, or individuals offering “free” medical equipment, genetic testing, or other healthcare services.

Detect

Review your Medicare Summary Notices and statements regularly. Look for services you did not receive, unfamiliar healthcare providers, or duplicate billing. Keeping a personal healthcare journal can help you compare appointments and services with what appears on your Medicare statements.

Report

If something doesn’t look right, don’t ignore it. Start by contacting your healthcare provider to determine whether the issue was an honest mistake. If concerns remain, contact your local Senior Medicare Patrol for free, confidential assistance.

Maryland Proclaims Medicare Fraud Prevention Week

Governor Wes Moore has officially proclaimed June 1–5, 2026, as Medicare Fraud Prevention Week in Maryland. This proclamation highlights the importance of protecting beneficiaries from scams and ensuring Medicare resources remain available for those who need them most.

Together, we can help stop Medicare fraud before it starts. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and encourage friends and family members to do the same.

For more information and fraud prevention resources, contact your local Senior Medicare Patrol or visit Medicare.gov.