GeorgiaCares SMP
Summary
Each year, billions of dollars are lost to Medicare and Medicaid programs due to error, fraud and abuse. SMP projects are dedicated to promoting consumer awareness, preventing elder victimization, and working to implement community partnerships to prevent Medicare and Medicaid fraud, error, and abuse. The GeorgiaCares SMP project encourages Georgians to take an active role in protecting healthcare for current and future generations. Our message is simple: Be informed, be aware and be involved.
Be informed. Seniors are informed that most providers are honest and provide the best care they can. However, a few healthcare professionals engage in unscrupulous practices that drain Medicare and Medicaid programs of valuable resources that affect the quality of healthcare.
Be aware. Medicare beneficiaries can take an active role in protecting healthcare by reviewing their Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs), confirming that all services/supplies were necessary and confirming that services/supplies were received. In addition, Medicare beneficiaries should be suspicious of any service/supply that is advertised as “free” and asks for a Medicare/Medicaid number. If a beneficiary suspects fraud, error and/or abuse, he/she should call their provider to discuss the problem. If the beneficiary is not comfortable calling or with the response the provider gives, he/she should contact GeorgiaCares at 1-800-669-8387.
Be involved. Volunteers are key to our efforts. The GeorgiaCares SMP project is actively seeking volunteers throughout Georgia to participate by giving presentations, answering incoming phone calls, helping beneficiaries review their MSNs and assisting with other outreach activities.
If you are interested in volunteering with the GeorgiaCares SMP project, contact your local Area Agency on Aging by calling 1-800-669-8387.
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