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Protect, Detect, Report: Safeguard Your Benefits During Medicare Fraud Prevention Month
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June 2026 marks the fifth annual Medicare Fraud Prevention Month, a national effort to protect the Medicare Trust Fund—which loses an estimated $60 billion annually to fraud, waste, and abuse. As your local SHIBA (Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors) team for Thurston and Mason counties, we want to ensure you have the tools to be a "fraud fighter" in our community.
The "6-5" Rule
National Medicare Fraud Prevention Week kicks off the week of June 5 (6-5)—a date chosen because most people become eligible for Medicare when they turn 65. This year’s theme, "Fraud: The Hidden Game," emphasizes that medical identity theft often goes unnoticed until it's too late.
Top 3 Scams to Watch for in 2026
Scammers are currently using sophisticated tactics, including AI-generated voices, to impersonate officials. Watch out for these common traps:
- The "New Plastic Card" Scam: Scammers may call claiming you need to "verify" your information to receive a new plastic or chip-enabled Medicare card. Truth: Medicare only issues paper cards and will never call you to verify your number.
- "Free" Medical Equipment: Be wary of unsolicited offers for "free" braces, wheelchairs, or genetic cancer screenings. These are often ploys to get your Medicare number for fraudulent billing.
- 2026 Benefit Verification: Callers may claim they need to "confirm your benefits" for the 2026 plan year updates. Legitimate Medicare agents are prohibited from making unsolicited cold calls.
Three Steps to Protect Yourself
- PREVENT: Treat your Medicare card like a credit card. Never share your number with anyone who contacts you uninvited via phone, text, or email.
- DETECT: Review your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or Explanation of Benefits (EOB) every month. Look for services, equipment, or tests you did not receive or that your doctor did not order.
- REPORT: If you spot a suspicious charge or receive a questionable call, report it immediately. Your report helps the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) track and stop scammers.
We Are Your Local Resource
If you suspect fraud or need help reading your Medicare statements, your local SHIBA volunteers provide free, unbiased, and confidential assistance.
Contact Us Directly:
- Serving: Thurston & Mason Counties
- Phone: 360-586-6181, ext. 134
- Sponsor: Senior Services for South Sound
