SMP Foundations Training Manual CHAPTER 1 ... - SMPresource.org

SMP FOUNDATIONS TRAINING MANUAL
National SMP Program Overview, Program Accountability, continued
Although beneficiaries may learn about how to detect fraud, waste, and abuse from
an SMP project’s outreach and education activities, they don’t necessarily follow up
directly with the SMP regarding their results. It’s important to understand that there
are many successes of the SMPs that are not included in their performance data.
For example:
Beneficiaries might call the OIG fraud hotline or other contacts to report an
incident of suspected fraud.
Beneficiaries may achieve substantial cost savings by reviewing their MSN and
medical bills using the information learned from the SMPs, and follow up on their
own to resolve errors or abuse.
Even though SMP reporting results are not all-inclusive, the data about program
activities and outcomes that the SMPs are able to capture is very important. This
data allows the SMPs to “tell the story” of what they have accomplished, the people
they have helped, and the money that has been recouped for beneficiaries and the
Medicare and Medicaid programs.
SMP Volunteers
The number of retired people is growing fast. Most take comfort in knowing that the
Medicare program will be there to provide health care coverage as they age.
Due to the unscrupulous practices of a small number of people, Medicare and
Medicaid are being drained of billions of dollars of valuable resources that
beneficiaries rely on when it comes to their health and the health of their loved ones.
The SMP program provides an opportunity for seniors to step up and make an impact
in the fight against fraud. The dedicated corps of SMP volunteers makes a difference.
SMP programs seek volunteers whose skills, abilities, and personal goals are
compatible with the goals and mission of the program.
"I wouldn't be alive if it wasn't for Medicare. I owe Medicare something
in order to keep it going so someone else can use it like I had to….
I want other people to have the option of living 24 more years if they want."
Mrs. Dottie Lund,
a speaker to senior groups in Wisconsin who has assisted with outreach since 2001
SMP Foundations Training Manual May 2011
Chapter 1 – Page 8