Fraud and Scams

Protecting Your Benefits and Your Rights

Medicare is a valuable benefit, but it can also be a target for scammers. Additionally, there may be times when you disagree with a coverage decision. At Volunteers Assisting Seniors (VAS), we help you protect your benefits through the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) and guide you through the formal appeals process.

Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)

The Nebraska SMP is a program that empowers seniors to prevent, detect, and report healthcare fraud, errors, and abuse. Fraud costs the Medicare program billions of dollars every year and can lead to higher costs for everyone.

Protect, Detect, and Report

  • Protect: Treat your Medicare number like a credit card. Do not give it to anyone over the phone or in person unless you initiated the contact or they are a trusted healthcare provider.

  • Detect: Review your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or Explanation of Benefits (EOB) when you receive them. Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) are mailed every 6 months if you received any equipment or services in the time period, but are available online monthly for those with a Medicare.gov account. Look for services, supplies, or equipment that you did not receive. Use a journal or Health Care Tracker to keep track of appointments, hospitalizations, equipment, and any testing. 

  • Report: If you suspect a mistake or fraud, call the provider first to see if it was a simple billing error. If the issue is not resolved, contact our office or the Nebraska SMP hotline at 1-800-234-7119.

Common Scams in 2026

Be on the lookout for unsolicited offers for “free” genetic testing kits, medical braces, or catheters. Scammers often use these offers to steal your Medicare number and bill the government for services you never requested. Remember that Medicare will never call you uninvited to ask for your personal information or to sell you a new plan.

We Are Your Advocates: You do not have to handle a fraud report or a complicated Medicare appeal on your own. Our trained volunteers can help you organize your paperwork and understand your rights throughout the process. Call us at 402-444-6617 for free, local assistance by phone or in person.