Montana Senior Medicare Patrol - SMP

11/21/2025

Medicare recipients across the country are being warned about a growing scam falsely claiming that “new,” “plastic,” or “chip” Medicare cards are being mailed out. Officials say the calls, texts, and messages are fraudulent and part of an effort to steal personal information. In reality, no new Medicare cards are being issued in 2025 or any upcoming year unless a person specifically requests a replacement.

If you receive a fishy call in Montana, call the statewide Senior Medicare Patrol at (406) 728-7682

11/12/2025

Across the country, people are receiving a constant stream of calls from imposters claiming they are Medicare representatives. Medicare will never call you unless you have called them first. During Medicare Open Enrollment, it's important to be extra vigilant! The statewide Senior Medicare Patrol is your regional resource if you suspect something fishy. Call with questions or to report: (406) 214-2694. Check out the news report from Colorado linked in the comments for advice re: identifying red flags.

11/04/2025

November is National Long-Term Care Awareness Month. Long-term care (LTC) is care that helps someone with daily tasks in their home or at a facility.

Though Medicare doesn't cover long-term care services, they are needed by most Medicare beneficiaries. There are sometimes other insurance options but keep an eye out for red flags when you're searching for long term care insurance plans. If a sales person is pressuring you or the plan seems too good to be true, step back and protect yourself and your loved ones.

10/30/2025

It's spooky season indeed! Medicare Open Enrollment season is open season for scammers too! Scammers get more active during Medicare Open Enrollment Period, trying to get your money, information, or both. Learn to spot the scams!

Scammers often impersonate Medicare and contact you unexpectedly. They might sound professional and even have some of your personal information. They’ll say you need a “new” or “updated” Medicare card and ask for your Medicare, bank account, or credit card number. Real Medicare cards are free and mailed to you automatically. True Medicare representatives won’t call, text, or email you out of the blue to ask for your numbers or a payment.

To protect yourself:

Ignore unexpected calls from anyone who demands you share Medicare, personal, or financial information.

Don’t rely on your caller ID. It might show Medicare’s name or phone number, but caller ID can be faked.

Get expert, unbiased help to compare costs, coverage, and plans. Make a free appointment with you local certified State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) specialists. In Missoula County, call Missoula Aging Services to set up an appt. today.

Report Medicare impersonators and other Medicare scams. The Montana Senior Medicare Patrol director works out of Missoula Aging Services. Call with questions or to report suspicious activity.

MT Senior Medicare Patrol/Missoula Aging Services: (406) 728-7682

10/27/2025

Don't be spooked, but be alert that your Medicare plan may change without your knowing or approval. Log into your Medicare.gov account and be sure you have the plan you should.

If you have questions about the right Medicare plan for you, contact your to go over any coverage questions.

10/16/2025

Scammers ramp up their assaults during Medicare Open Enrollment each fall. They know people are reviewing their plans and can be more susceptible to sharing personal information. Knowing how Medicare contacts you – and how it doesn't – can help you avoid costly scams. If someone calls unexpectedly and says they're from Medicare, hang up the phone. If you're in doubt, you can call Medicare back at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

Read more in the attached article, which warns that, "The number on your caller ID may appear to be that of a medical provider or the government. Scammers can fake this and generally won’t stop at fishing for your Medicare number. They may ask for your Social Security number and other vital, identifying information, such as your date of birth, bank account and/or credit card numbers, and possibly even passwords for your personal accounts."

Educate yourself to stay safe! If you get a suspicious call about Medicare here in Montana, let the state Senior Medicare Patrol know by calling your local SMP representative or statewide director Emilie Culver at (406) 728-7682.

Medicare scammers will usually contact you by phone and use several tactics to take advantage of you. Find out what they are and how to protect yourself.

10/07/2025

This October, during Residents’ Rights Month, learn how to support older loved ones and neighbors who live in facilities that provide assistance with daily living or medical needs. The MT Senior Medicare Patrol is housed at Missoula Aging Services, where ombudsmen work year-round to ensure the safety and rights of people living in assisted living and nursing homes. It’s essential for residents and their families and friends to understand that residents retain fundamental rights and protections designed to ensure their dignity, independence, and overall well-being. Ombudsmen provide consistent support, but friends, family, and community members are equally important in giving long-term care residents a voice and ensuring their autonomy.

If you know someone living in a long-term care facility, you can best help by visiting them on a regular basis! If possible, ask them for a tour of their community. Take time to meet their neighbors, caregivers, and facility staff. Each visit is an opportunity to connect with the person and learn if their wants and needs are being met. Let your friend or loved one know you are listening, and their voices matter.

For more information call your local ombudsmen. In Missoula County, that's Carrie O’Herron and Mary Dalton, at Missoula Aging Services at (406) 728-7682 or visit
missoulaagingservices.org.

10/03/2025

Did you know, 1 in 4 older adults falls each year, but only half tell their doctor about it?!

If you’ve fallen, you’re not alone! Use these tips from the National Council on Aging to get the most out of important conversations with your doctor.

It's important to talk to your doctor about any health concerns, including a fear of falling. These tips can help you prepare for the conversation. The more your doctor knows, they more they can help you!

09/26/2025

Did you know that if you take a genetic test that isn't approved by Medicare, it could cost you thousands? If you get a call about a "free" genetic test kit, cancer testing kit, DNA kit, etc. and they say Medicare will cover it, know that it's likely a scam. If you want to have any kind of genetic testing done, please do it with your doctor.

09/26/2025

The 60-and-older crowd are quietly backing away from one term in particular. (And, no, it's not 'Boomers.')

09/26/2025

Medicare fraud is big business! We hope all Montanans with Medicare coverage can get into the habit of examining statements to keep an eye out for fishy billing. Help your loved ones and neighbors detect fraud by looking at statements together.

Call your MT Senior Medicare Patrol to report anything that seems wrong in your billing or any attempts to get your Medicare number: (406) 728-7682

Here's just one more example of a major scam that's been recently discovered and charged. Dr. Tommie Robinson, an "Alabama-based doctor has been charged and has agreed to plead guilty in connection with a $6 million telemedicine fraud scheme . . . claims were allegedly submitted to Medicare for DME and genetic testing that were medically unnecessary, based on false documentation, and tainted by kickbacks." Read more in the Dept. of Justice report: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/alabama-doctor-charged-6-million-telemedicine-health-care-fraud-scheme

09/19/2025

See it? Report it! Take a look at your latest Medicare Summary Notice and see if there aren't just one, but FIVE different charges for orthotic braces. The SMP is noticing a trend where scammers are billing for five different braces at a time: two wrist, two knee, and one back.

If you see these charges, or any others you don't think you should have, report it to MT Senior Medicare Patrol at (406) 728-7682.