Addressing the present and future needs of older Idahoans

341 W. Washington
Boise, Idaho 83702
Phone: (208) 334-3833
or 1-800-926-2588
www.aging.idaho.gov
Email:icoa@aging.idaho.gov

Fraud Prevention and Education

SMP Senior Medicare Patrol Program

The SMP program helps Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries avoid, detect, and prevent health care fraud. SMP trained volunteer workers assist Medicare beneficiaries and their families.

Services provided:

  • Education for beneficiaries to learn to scrutinize Medicare billing information to identify deceptive health care practices, such as double-billing, overcharging, or providing unnecessary or inappropriate services.

  • Education opportunities (i.e. Scam Jams) for consumers and the public about other types of fraud and scams, such as financial exploitation, identity theft, computer scams, and mail and telemarketing scams.

  • Education for Medicare Part D (prescription drug plan) beneficiaries about the various plans and how to enroll each year during the open enrollment period.

  • Assistance for people who are limited in speaking English.

MIPPA—Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act

MIPPA provides education on disease prevention, changes in Medicare wellness benefits, and Medicare Part D annual enrollment changes.

Services include:

  • Education for Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries about the necessity of enrolling annually for Medicare Part D (stand-alone prescription drug coverage insurance) and assistance with accessing available insurance plans for review.

  • Education for those eligible for low income subsidy (aka. Extra Help) for Medicare prescription drug plan costs and assist with application process.

  • Education for those eligible for Medicare Savings Program to get help paying for Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and/or Part B (medical insurance) premiums and assist with applications.

  • Education on disease prevention, changes in Medicare wellness benefits, and Medicare Part D annual enrollment changes. 

Contact Information

To get answers to your questions about Medicare and/or insurance or about becoming an SMP volunteer, contact your nearest SHIBA representative at:

1-800-247-4422

SMP Project Director

Pam Catt-Oliason

(208) 334-3833

pam.catt-oliason@aging.idaho.gov

Additional Resources