‘Prevent, Detect, Report’ during Medicare Fraud Prevention Week

Arkansas Insurance Department encourages seniors to 'Prevent, Detect & Report' during Medicare Fraud Prevention Week

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (June 1, 2026) - During Medicare Fraud Prevention Week (June 1-5), the Arkansas Insurance Department is encouraging seniors in Arkansas and their families to learn how to prevent, detect and report Medicare fraud.

Senior Medicare Patrol programs across the country help beneficiaries recognize scams, prevent fraud and protect Medicare resources for future generations. Medicare fraud and abuse cost taxpayers an estimated $100 billion each year, wasting funds intended to provide care.

About 690,000 Arkansans (around 22% of the state's population) receive Medicare. These recipients need to know the best ways to protect themselves from scams. That's why the "Prevent, Detect and Report" framework was developed.

"This information is critical not only for Medicare recipients but also for their children and caregivers," said Kathleen Pursell, Arkansas Senior Medicare Patrol Program Director. "It is a shared responsibility for everyone involved to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity immediately to safeguard the integrity of the Medicare system and protect those who are most vulnerable to fraud."

The Arkansas Insurance Department encourages Arkansans to remember these Three Pillars of Medicare Fraud Prevention:

PREVENT

Take steps to protect your Medicare information and reduce your risk of becoming a victim of fraud.

• Don't answer calls from unknown numbers. Wait for a message and call the person back. If you mistakenly answer an unsolicited phone call, be very cautious, especially if the caller claims to be from a doctor's office, a government agency or Medicare. If in doubt, hang up.
• Protect your Medicare card like a credit card and guard your Medicare Number carefully. Never give your Medicare Number to anyone except your doctor or a trusted healthcare provider.
• Offers of money, free medical equipment, special deals or gifts in exchange for personal details are often used to collect information for scams. Be skeptical!

DETECT

Review your healthcare information regularly to identify potential fraud or billing errors.

• Keep a personal log of doctor's appointments, tests, services and the medical equipment you've received.
• Carefully review your Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) and other healthcare statements.
  • Look closely for charges for appointments, tests, services or supplies you know you did not receive.
  • Watch for duplicate billing or unfamiliar providers listed on claims.
  • Here's a helpful video from Senior Medicare Patrol on understanding your Medicare Summary Notices.
• Checking claims as soon as you receive them increases your chance of finding fraud and stopping it.

REPORT

If you suspect Medicare fraud, even if you have only slight evidence, report it immediately.

• Call the Arkansas Senior Medicare Patrol at 1-866-726-2916. Have your Medicare card, Medicare Number and any related claims or notices available.
• Email us at [email protected]
• File a report online through the Arkansas Senior Medicare Patrol website.