Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse cost people money, time, and well-being. The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) is empowering everyone to learn how they can prevent Medicare fraud from happening. Beginning the week of June 3, 2024, the SMP is kicking off Medicare Fraud Prevention Week.

An estimated $60 billion is lost in Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse every year. On June 6, 2024, from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm, we will be hosting a Fraud Fair Shred Event at Northeast Levy Regional Senior Center (2019 W. Lawrence Avenue Chicago, IL 60625). Our goal is to show how Medicare beneficiaries, families, caregivers, health care providers, partners, and the entire community can play a part in preventing this type of health care waste from occurring. 

This event is free and welcome to the public. Bring any materials that contain personal information such as old credit card bills, electric bills and old Medicare Summary Notices to shred for free!

There will also be representatives from the following offices:

• FBI Chicago
• Office of Inspector General
• Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services
• Congressman Mike Quigley
• Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky
• Alderman Matt Martin
• Secretary of State
• Illinois Attorney General
• Illinois Senior Medicare Patrol
• Illinois Senior Health Insurance Program
• USPS Inspection Service
• White Crane Wellness Center

“Medicare fraud has a devastating impact on both beneficiaries and the Medicare program,” said Travis Trumitch, Director of the Illinois Senior Medicare Patrol.

“We teach people how to avoid experiencing Medicare fraud. By preventing fraud from happening, this program helps individuals and protects the Medicare program for generations to come.”

Learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones by joining the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) and their partners for Medicare Fraud Prevention Week which runs the week of June 5, or 6/5, because most people become eligible for Medicare when they turn 65. Learn more about Medicare Fraud Prevention Week at www.smpresource.org.

The Illinois SMP is also here to offer assistance if you feel you have been affected by any suspicious billing on your Medicare Summary Notice, please call the Illinois SMP at AgeOptions at (800) 699-9043 or visit www.illinoissmp.org.

May and June 2024 SMP Workshops 

May 15, 2024, at 10:00 am – Spanish SMP Bingo

Palatine Senior Center (505 S Quentin Rd. Palatine, IL 60067)

May 16, 2024, at 2:00 pm – SMP Presentation and Bingo

Lake Vista Apartments (1440 South Indiana Ave. Chicago, IL 60605)

May 23, 2024, at 6:00 pm – Spanish SMP Bingo

Archer Heights Library (5055 S Archer Ave. Chicago, IL 60632)

June 4, 2024, at 12:00-2:00pm – National Medicare Fraud Prevention Week Event 

Valley Kingdom Ministries International (5300 151st St. Oak Forest, IL 60452) 

June 5, 2024, at 11:00 am – 1:00 pm – National Medicare Fraud Prevention Week Event 

Consulate General of Mexico (204 S Ashland Ave. Chicago, IL 60607) 

June 6, 2024, at 10:00 am - 1:00 pm – National Medicare Fraud Prevention Week Shred Event 

Northeast Levy Regional Senior Center (2019 W. Lawrence Avenue Chicago, IL 60625)  

June 8, 2024, at 11:00 am – “Types of Fraud” SMP Presentation 

Park Forest Public Library (400 Lakewood Blvd. Park Forest, IL 60466) 

June 12, 2024, at 10:00am – 1:00pm – Evergreen Park Fire Department’s Annual Senior Citizens Health Fair 

Evergreen Park Fire Department (9000 S. Kedzie Avenue Evergreen Park, IL 60805) 

June 13, 2024, at 1:00 pm – Spanish SMP Bingo 

Archer Heights Library (5055 S Archer Ave. Chicago, IL 60632) 

June 14, 2024, at 10:00 am – Spanish SMP Bingo 

Park Place (414 S Lewis Ave. Waukegan, IL 60085) 

June 19, 2024, 9:30 am – 2:00 pm – Active Senior Expo 

White Eagle Banquets (6839 N Milwaukee Ave. Niles, IL 60714) 

June 25, 2024, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm – SMP Presentation and Bingo 

Elmwood Park Public Library (1 Conti Pkwy. Elmwood Park, IL 60707)  

June 27, 2024, 11:15am – 12:15pm – SMP Presentation 

Proviso Township Town Hall (4565 W. Harrison St. Hillside, IL 60162) 

Have a wonderful week!

Travis Trumitch

travis.trumitch@ageoptions.org