SMP Hawaii

Elder abuse is a critical issue that affects our entire community. Alarmingly, at least 10% of adults aged 60 and older will experience some form of elder abuse. To combat this pressing problem and raise public awareness, the Executive Office on Aging is partnering with KHON2 for an extensive elder abuse awareness media campaign.


Learn more at https://www.smphawaii.org/news-alerts-updates/raising-awareness-of-elder-abuse-an-initiative-with-khon2/

Contact SMP Hawaii at 808-586-7281
Toll Free: 1-800-296-9422
Email: [email protected]
Visit: smphawaii.org
Facebook: smphawaii808
Protecting Kupuna Since 1997

Did you know that scammers are able to steal or mimic voices? It's true! A lot of people have fallen victim to scams because they get calls that sound like loved ones.
We understand this can be scary to think about. A way to protect yourself is to not answer calls you don't know. And if you do talk to someone you realize might be a scammer, hang up!


Contact SMP Hawaii at 808-586-7281
Toll Free: 1-800-296-9422
Email: [email protected]
Visit: smphawaii.org
Facebook: smphawaii808
Protecting Kupuna Since 1997

Join SMP Hawaii at the tech support event with Tech Savvy Teens this Saturday, June 29, 2024 at Windward Mall from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. The event will feature a variety of activities, including free information and materials from SMP Hawaii and one-on-one Tech Support, workshops and demonstrations, and community resources.
To learn more, go to https://www.smphawaii.org/news-alerts-updates/join-smp-hawaii-at-tech-savvy-teens-event-for-kupuna/



Contact SMP Hawaii at 808-586-7281
Toll Free: 1-800-296-9422
Email: [email protected]
Visit: smphawaii.org
Facebook: smphawaii808
Protecting Kupuna Since 1997

Join us for a FREE online class Saturday June 8 from 10:00 – 11:30 am to learn more about how to save Medicare!

Medicare: Everyone Can Help Prevent Fraud!
Join Zoom Meeting �https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89456551003?pwd=gw0Nk4lcF7MRqTxSaUmqFzxaiNvV9R.1
Meeting ID: 894 5655 1003 �Passcode: 990713



Contact SMP Hawaii at 808-586-7281
Toll Free: 1-800-296-9422
Email: [email protected]
Visit: smphawaii.org
Facebook: smphawaii808
Protecting Kupuna Since 1997

We focus on the importance of comparing your healthcare tracker information to your Medicare statements. This practice is a critical step in detecting and preventing fraud. Report any errors to your providers and if you need further help, contact SMP Hawaii.

https://www.smphawaii.org/news-alerts-updates/how-to-compare-your-tracker-information-to-your-medicare-statements/

Contact SMP Hawaii at 808-586-7281
Toll Free: 1-800-296-9422
Email: [email protected]
Visit: smphawaii.org
Facebook: smphawaii808
Protecting Kupuna Since 1997

Today's Tip: Write down your drugs, tests, and services you receive

One of the most effective ways to prevent Medicare fraud is by meticulously tracking the drugs, tests, and other services you receive. My Health Care Trackers are valuable fraud-fighting tools provided for free through the SMP program. Available in Chinese-Simplified, Ilocano, Japanese, Korean, and Tagalog, these trackers help beneficiaries prevent, detect, and report suspected Medicare fraud, errors, or abuse.


https://www.smphawaii.org/news-alerts-updates/prevent-medicare-fraud-track-your-healthcare-services/

Contact SMP Hawaii at 808-586-7281
Toll Free: 1-800-296-9422
Email: [email protected]
Visit: smphawaii.org
Facebook: smphawaii808
Protecting Kupuna Since 1997

Ask for your free copy of the My Healthcare Tracker from SMP Hawaii and bring it with you to your healthcare visits.

https://www.smphawaii.org/news-alerts-updates/track-your-healthcare-visits-with-the-free-healthcare-tracker/

Contact SMP Hawaii at 808-586-7281
Toll Free: 1-800-296-9422
Email: [email protected]
Visit: smphawaii.org
Facebook: smphawaii808
Protecting Kupuna Since 1997

Contact SMP Hawaii for your FREE Healthcare Tracker, also now in Chinese-Simplified, Ilocano, Japanese, Korean and Tagalog.

https://www.smphawaii.org/news-alerts-updates/get-your-free-healthcare-tracker-medicare-fraud-prevention/

Contact SMP Hawaii at 808-586-7281
Toll Free: 1-800-296-9422
Email: [email protected]
Visit: smphawaii.org
Facebook: smphawaii808
Protecting Kupuna Since 1997

Medicare beneficiaries, Medicare Fraud Prevention Week starts today! Start the week by learning how to read your Medicare statements!
Read your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or Explanation of Benefits (EOB) in the paper form that is mailed to you or go online to Medicare.gov and review claims digitally. Use this video from the SMP to learn how to read your Medicare statements and how to report any issues.
https://www.smphawaii.org/news-alerts-updates/start-medicare-fraud-prevention-week-by-learning-to-read-your-medicare-statements/

Contact SMP Hawaii at 808-586-7281
Toll Free: 1-800-296-9422
Email: [email protected]
Visit: smphawaii.org
Facebook: smphawaii808
Protecting Kupuna Since 1997

Emergency Preparedness takes time, planning and teamwork. Check out KITV’s Island Life Live with Mele Apana to learn more about SMP Hawaii’s role in your evacuation or disaster planning. Ask for the “My Personal Healthcare Tracker” -
https://smpresource.org/you-can-help/my-health-care-tracker/ -as we also recognize Medicare Fraud Prevention Week, June 3 - 9! MFP Week kicks off Monday!
Island Life HI


https://www.smphawaii.org/news-alerts-updates/emergency-preparedness-with-smp-hawaii-on-kitvs-island-life/

Contact SMP Hawaii at 808-586-7281
Toll Free: 1-800-296-9422
Email: [email protected]
Visit: smphawaii.org
Facebook: smphawaii808
Protecting Kupuna Since 1997

Medicare Fraud Prevention Week, June 3 – 9: Everyone Can Help Prevent Fraud!

Fraud costs Medicare an estimated $60 billion per year. It costs Medicare beneficiaries in time, stress, their medical identities and potentially their health. It costs families, friends and caregivers in worry and lost work when helping their loved ones recover from falling victim to Medicare fraud. This is where the Senior Medicare Patrol or SMP Hawaii comes in. SMP is a federal-funded, volunteer-based program, managed by the Hawaii State Department of Health. Our mission is to "empower and assist Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to prevent, detect, and report health care fraud, errors, and abuse through counseling, outreach and education." To learn more fighting healthcare fraud, join SMP Hawaii during Medicare Fraud Prevention Week, June 3-9, with a daily dose of how to prevent fraud. Each day, we’ll share helpful tips on how you can avoid being a victim to a Medicare scam and help others to do the same.



To volunteer or learn more, contact SMP Hawaii at 808-586-7281
Toll Free: 1-800-296-9422
Email: [email protected]
Visit: smphawaii.org
Facebook: smphawaii808
Protecting Kūpuna Since 1997

Scammers often use specific phrases to induce panic and urgency, such as “Act now!” or “Don’t hang up.” These high-pressure tactics aim to prevent you from thinking clearly, pushing you towards quick actions like moving money or buying gift cards. Recognizing these signs is crucial to safeguard your assets from fraud. Always pause, hang up, and report suspicious activities to trusted authorities like the FTC at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov
Spotting these signs early can save you from potentially catastrophic financial losses. For more detailed insights and guidance, see https://www.smphawaii.org/news-alerts-updates/ftc-consumer-advice-sure-ways-to-spot-a-scammer/


Contact SMP Hawaii at 808-586-7281
Toll Free: 1-800-296-9422
Email: [email protected]
Visit: smphawaii.org
Facebook: smphawaii808
Protecting Kupuna Since 1997

Thank you, caregivers! SMP Hawaiil recognizes the work and effort you put into your role every day in keeping your loved ones safe, healthy, and happy. Going the extra mile to also protect them from Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse is appreciated and will not only help your loved ones, but it will also help your children and generations to come.
Learn more at our FAQ page: https://www.smphawaii.org/faq/



Contact SMP Hawaii at 808-586-7281
Toll Free: 1-800-296-9422
Email: [email protected]
Visit: smphawaii.org
Facebook: smphawaii808

Protecting Kupuna Since 1997

If someone calls you and asks to verify your Medicare number, for any reason, hang up. You will never need to verify your Medicare number. This is someone attempting to get your Medicare number, or your consent, to use your information for fraudulent reasons.


Contact SMP Hawaii at 808-586-7281
Toll Free: 1-800-296-9422
Email: [email protected]
Visit: smphawaii.org
Facebook: smphawaii808
Protecting Kupuna Since 1997

Did you know you can easily print out all of the SMP fraud schemes tip sheets? These are great to hang around your community, take to events, or even share with family and friends.
You can print any or all topics by visiting https://smpresource.org/medicare-fraud/fraud-schemes/tip-sheets-for-printing/


Contact SMP Hawaii at 808-586-7281
Toll Free: 1-800-296-9422
Email: [email protected]
Visit: smphawaii.org
Facebook: smphawaii808

Protecting Kupuna Since 1997

Are you looking for something more? How about volunteering for SMP Hawaii? Becoming a volunteer is easy and your skills and interests are matched to the needs of the program.
SMP volunteers take pride in working to ensure that the Medicare program will be protected for future generations.
Learn more about volunteering here: https://www.smphawaii.org/volunteer/

Contact SMP Hawaii at 808-586-7281
Toll Free: 1-800-296-9422
Email: [email protected]
Visit: smphawaii.org
Facebook: smphawaii808
Protecting Kupuna Since 1997

Retired nurse Linda Hennis is among more than 450,000 Medicare beneficiaries whose accounts were billed for urinary catheters in 2023, up from about 50,000 in previous years, according to a new report produced by the National Association of Accountable Care Organizations. Her Medicare statement said a company she had never heard of had been paid about $12,000 for sending her 2,000 urinary catheters. But she had never needed, or received, any catheters.
Read more: https://smpresource.org/unwanted-catheters-billed-to-beneficiaries/


Contact SMP Hawaii at 808-586-7281
Toll Free: 1-800-296-9422
Email: [email protected]
Visit: smphawaii.org
Facebook: smphawaii808
Protecting Kupuna Since 1997

Unwanted Catheters Billed to Medicare - Senior Medicare Patrol Analysis shows Medicare spending for urinary catheters soared last year.

The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) has released new guidance for staying safe from respiratory viruses, including the virus that causes COVID-19. It closely aligns with the latest respiratory virus guidelines released earlier this month by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Hawai‘i-specific guidance underscores the continued importance of taking steps to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses in the community and of early detection for those at higher risk of severe disease.

Read more at https://www.smphawaii.org/news-alerts-updates/hawai%ca%bbi-department-of-health-issues-new-guidance-on-staying-safe-from-respiratory-viruses/



Contact SMP Hawaii at 808-586-7281
Toll Free: 1-800-296-9422
Email: [email protected]
Visit: smphawaii.org
Facebook: smphawaii808
Protecting Kupuna Since 1997

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is one of SMP’s partner agencies. Please see its warning for all of us to be vigilant against bank scams. Click here: https://www.smphawaii.org/news-alerts-updates/beware-of-bank-scams/


Contact SMP Hawaii at 808-586-7281
Toll Free: 1-800-296-9422
Email: [email protected]
Visit: smphawaii.org
Facebook: smphawaii808
Protecting Kupuna Since 1997

SMP Hawaii protects older adults from healthcare fraud. Roberta and Rich discussed their experiences volunteering for SMP Hawaii on KHON’s Living 808 show. Click here to see the show https://www.smphawaii.org/news-alerts-updates/khon2-living808-smp-volunteers-protecting-kupuna-against-medicare-fraud/.



Contact SMP Hawaii at 808-586-7281
Toll Free: 1-800-296-9422
Email: [email protected]
Visit: smphawaii.org
Facebook: smphawaii808
Protecting Kupuna Since 1997

Many consumers believe they'd never fall for a scam. But scammers rely on certain psychological tactics that mean anyone could become a victim. Scams rely on emotional manipulation to create fear and a sense of urgency. If you find yourself in this situation, remind yourself that you can slow down and think rationally.

https://time.com/6802061/scammers-financial-fraud-emotions/



Contact SMP Hawaii at 808-586-7281
Toll Free: 1-800-296-9422
Email: [email protected]
Visit: smphawaii.org
Facebook: smphawaii808
Protecting Kupuna Since 1997

Ever received a Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) and puzzled over what they entail? It’s crucial to know these documents are not bills but detailed records of the services or supplies Medicare has paid for you. From hospital stays to doctor’s appointments, these notices cover a vast range of services. Understanding your MSN/EOB is key to verifying the accuracy of billed services and plays a vital role in fraud prevention. Stay informed about your healthcare services and how to use these documents to your advantage.


Contact SMP Hawaii at 808-586-7281
Toll Free: 1-800-296-9422
Email: [email protected]
Visit: smphawaii.org
Facebook: smphawaii808
Protecting Kupuna Since 1997

Thursday, March 7th is National Slam the Scam Day. This is a special day to recognize Social Security-related scams and stop scammers from stealing your money and personal information. Learn how to protect yourself, your loved ones and people in your community this Slam the Scam Day at https://www.smphawaii.org/news-alerts-updates/social-security-administration-slam-the-scam-day-march-7/



Contact SMP Hawaii at 808-586-7281
Toll Free: 1-800-296-9422
Email: [email protected]
Visit: smphawaii.org
Facebook: smphawaii808
Protecting Kupuna Since 1997

Confused by your Medicare MSNs and EOBs? Here are tips to understand these documents and use them to confirm that charges submitted on your behalf are accurate.



Contact SMP Hawaii at 808-586-7281
Toll Free: 1-800-296-9422
Email: [email protected]
Visit: smphawaii.org
Facebook: smphawaii808
Protecting Kupuna Since 1997

A personal reflection written by Dorothy Height almost 30 years ago about Medicare and its impact on Black Americans is mostly celebratory toward the major changes Medicare made for civil rights. However, the issues noted about health disparities for Black Americans are still true today.
Statistics show that "people of color are more likely to report being in relatively poor health, have higher prevalence rates of some chronic conditions, such as hypertension and diabetes, than White beneficiaries." Disparities mentioned that contribute to this are income and wealth.
Read Dorothy Height's remarks📑.png: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4193648/.
Read the study Racial and Ethnic Health Inequities and Medicare https://www.kff.org/report-section/racial-and-ethnic-health-inequities-and-medicare-overview/?fbclid=IwAR3G_QQdIsAKmcrCwwP96DztrC7sKmPs944Hb12md14aIAnpItGasFsX9CU


Contact SMP Hawaii at 808-586-7281
Toll Free: 1-800-296-9422
Email: [email protected]
Visit: smphawaii.org
Facebook: smphawaii808
Protecting Kupuna Since 1997

Each year, millions of U.S. consumers become victims of identity theft. ID theft is a crime in which thieves use stolen personal information, such as a Social Security number, to impersonate their victims. In many cases, they open new credit accounts in someone else’s name. When their crime is discovered, the crooks move on, leaving their victims to deal with the damage.

SMP Hawaii’s partner, the Federal Trade Commission, has teamed up with Consumer Action to bring you a special video in recognition of Identity Theft Awareness Week (Jan. 29 - Feb. 2). Check it out to learn some of the FTC tools to protect you and your loved ones, and ways to recover from identity theft.
https://www.smphawaii.org/news-alerts-updates/ftc-tips-for-identity-theft-protection-recovery/



Contact SMP Hawaii at 808-586-7281
Toll Free: 1-800-296-9422
Email: [email protected]
Visit: smphawaii.org
Facebook: smphawaii808
Protecting Kupuna Since 1997

Please enjoy the latest edition of the SMP Hawaii quarterly newsletter, Kukui Gram.

Please feel free to share this publication with your family, friends and others.


It can also be found on our website: https://www.smphawaii.org/news-alerts-updates/kukui-gram-january-2024/

Contact SMP Hawaii at 808-586-7281
Toll Free: 1-800-296-9422
Email: [email protected]
Visit: smphawaii.org
Facebook: smphawaii808
Protecting Kupuna Since 1997

Mental Wellness for Dementia Caregivers:
Self-care and healing from grief and stress
Friday, January 19, 2024, 10-11:30am

For more info and to register now: https://www.smphawaii.org/news-alerts-updates/mental-wellness-for-dementia-caregivers/

Have you donated to a charity recently? What resources did you check before selecting to give your hard-earned donation? Be careful of con artists who pretend to represent a worthy cause. See a list of resources you can use to confirm a charity is legit.


A Consumer Protection Partnership Highlight
https://www.smphawaii.org/news-alerts-updates/protect-your-donations-spotting-charity-scams-this-season/

New year, new resolutions! Protecting yourself from Medicare fraud should be at the top of the list. Here are a few ways to keep yourself safe in 2024!


Contact SMP Hawaii at 808-586-7281
Toll Free: 1-800-296-9422
Email: [email protected]
Visit: smphawaii.org
Facebook: smphawaii808
Protecting Kupuna Since 1997