Not something we like to think about, but Medicare fraud is a reality these days. With that in mind, volunteers are working hard with the Senior Medicare Patrol.
The sound of it is deceptive - Medicare fraud.
It sounds like seniors might be involved in some criminal activity.
No, it refers to some who use seniors to take advantage of the government.
That's where the Senior Medicare Patrol comes in.
"We are a statewide program. So we have volunteers, Senior Medicare Patrol, volunteers on every island, in every county, we're out there in force and what we do is we try to educate seniors on how to not become victims of Medicare fraud,” said Laurie Paleka of Senior Medical Patrol.
Here on Oahu, there is a need for volunteers who can help educate seniors.
"As to what Medicare fraud is all about, how to avoid being made a victim and we get a lot of feedback and we find out that Medicare fraud is very prevalent. People don't really realize that they're being defrauded out of their money, taxpayers' money,” said Goldie Dumpson, volunteer.
As we said, the Senior Medicare Patrol is constantly looking for volunteers to warn kupuna about the potential for fraud. And their help benefits all of us.
"Since we've been around, since 1997, SMP volunteers nationwide have saved taxpayers $100 million. So, SMP volunteers are very important to really get the word out into their communities with seniors on how not to fall victim,” said Paleka.
The key to all this effort is volunteers. Goldie tells us why she is involved.
"Well, it beats sitting home contemplating your navel,” she said. “I have someplace to go, I have something to do, they pick me up, they bring me back home, they feed me, so it really makes my day."
