NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas is putting out a fraud alert, with hopes of preventing senior citizens from falling victim to Medicare scams.
What You Need To Know
- The Area Agency on Aging is raising awareness about Medicare fraud targeting seniors
- Fraud examples include unnecessary medical items billed to Medicare
- To report fraud abuse in Pinellas or Pasco County call 727-217-8111
The Senior Medicare Patrol Program aims to empower and educate seniors and their caregivers with
the tools and education to help protect their identity.
Spectrum News caught up with program manager Geralyn Fortney as she facilitated an awareness event
at the Elfers Senior Center in Pasco County on Monday.
“Medicare fraud is a $60 to $100 billion industry right now,” Fortney told participants. “That’s how much money Medicare is losing every year, and it’s really important because that is your money.”
The agency wants seniors to know they have a place to turn for prevention, awareness and protection.
“These criminals are mailing wrist braces and knee braces to medicare recipients and you get it in the mail and you say, ‘I don’t really need this but I’m not to getting billed for it right?’” said Fortney to the group. “What you don’t see on the other side is that Medicare is being billed for those items.”
Fortney says other scams include seniors receiving genetic and wound-care kits, along with telephone calls trying to obtain personal information.
“Scary, because some people fall for them, so it’s very scary,” said event participant, Annett Uccio. “The older you get, the more you get taken advantage of, and it’s sad.”
That’s exactly what the Senior Medicare Patrol Program is trying to prevent. It helps seniors determine if fraud has occurred, helps report scams and helps them navigate the process to get restitution.
“We work closely with the Office of Inspector General to report what we see so that they can follow the trends,” said Fortney.
The Agency reminds:
- Medicare will not contact or visit to sell anything
- Carry Medicare card only when needed
- Save and review summary notices and explanation of benefits
- Shred documents containing personal information when no longer needed
The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas reports that more than 4,600 seniors in Pinellas and Pasco counties received services through the Senior Medicare Patrol Program in 2024.