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Resolving Medicare Problems

diverse group of older adults smiling together with text Medicare Fraud Prevention Week 6/1-6/5 and SMP logo

May 26, 2026

Protect Older Adults by Celebrating the 5th annual Medicare Fraud Prevention Week June 1-5!

Every year, Medicare loses an estimated $60 billion to fraud, errors, and abuse. The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) is tackling this issue by hosting the 5th annual Medicare Fraud Prevention Week from June 1-5. Timed to align with Medicare's eligibility age, this event highlights the importance of safeguarding our benefits from the moment we enroll.

Two individuals are reviewing documents at a table with mugs and a tablet, reviewing Medicare appeals decision.

May 5, 2026

Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage Appeals

Sometimes Medicare decides not to cover your care. This can be frustrating and scary, while also affecting your financial health. But you have the right to appeal a denial and make your case for why Medicare should cover your care. Read this blog to learn our tips and tricks for the best chance of a successful appeal.

medicare card, drivers license, and social security card with lock laid over

November 19, 2025

Medical Identity Theft

It’s crucial to protect your Medicare number and other personal information. Scammers are becoming more advanced in how they target consumers, and Medicare beneficiaries are always at risk. Read this blog to learn how to protect yourself from medical identity theft, detect the warning signs of fraud, and report suspicious behavior.

A couple sitting on a couch looking at paperwork

July 23, 2025

Choosing Between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage

Everyone with Medicare faces the same question at some point—should I enroll in Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan? Although both are part of the Medicare program, they differ in important ways. In this blog post, you’ll learn about the differences between Original Medicare and a Medicare Advantage Plan, and when you might consider one over the other.

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January 28, 2025

Premium-related Appeals and Troubleshooting

Late enrollment in Medicare or a higher income can lead to higher premiums. However, everyone has the right to appeal their premium determination. Understanding how these premiums work can help you assess their accuracy and decide if you should appeal.

Preparing for Future Health Care Needs

April 29, 2024

Preparing for Future Health Care Needs

You might assume that your family would be able to make your health care decisions for you if you were to become incapacitated. However, this isn’t always the case. Your family may not agree on what’s best, or essential decisions could fall to your providers instead. This is why it’s important for you to plan. In this blog, learn about advance directives, living wills, health care proxies, and powers of attorney to help ensure that decisions made on your behalf meet your needs and preferences.

Appealing End of Care

January 24, 2024

Appealing End of Care

If you’re receiving care in a hospital or non-hospital setting, you may be told that your Medicare will no longer pay for your care and that you will be discharged. You have the right to file a fast appeal if you feel that continued care is medically necessary. There are separate processes for hospital and […]

Part D Appeals

November 21, 2023

Part D Appeals

Sometimes a Part D plan won’t cover a medication that you need. Let’s discuss what you can do if this happens. First, understand your right to appeal. A Part D appeal is a formal request for review of a coverage decision made by your Part D plan. If your Part D plan denies coverage of […]

Protecting Yourself from Marketing Violations

September 25, 2023

Protecting Yourself from Marketing Violations

During Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period, you will likely experience more marketing from private Medicare plans, like Medicare Advantage Plans and Part D plans. Companies try to reach consumers in various ways, like television commercials, radio ads, events, mailings, phone calls, and texts. The government has rules, though, to protect you from forceful or misleading marketing. […]

Talking to your Doctor

March 24, 2023

Talking to Your Doctor

It is important to work with your doctor to ensure you get the best health care possible. This blog covers how you can build an effective relationship with your doctor and make the most of your visits. Communicate well with your health care provider. Communication is very important when building relationships with your health care […]