DHSS Press Release |
Date: January 6, 2000 DHSS-2-2000 |
| Gregg C. Sylvester, M.D., Secretary Cynthia Collier, Communication Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 |
Contact: Eleanor L. Cain Phone: (302) 255-9390 |
NEW CASTLE COUNTY SENIORS TRAINED TO EDUCATE DELAWARE MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES ABOUT MEDICARE FRAUD AND ABUSE
Ten New Castle County senior adults recently completed training as members of Delaware's Medicare Fraud Alert Project. The seniors will counsel Medicare/Medicaid beneficiaries about how to detect and report Medicare/Medicaid fraud waste and abuse in Delaware.
The volunteer counselors are: Satish Batta, MD, Joan Brungess, Fred Chalawsky, Lois Chalawsky, Joseph Finch, JoAnn Griffin, Jacob Hoffman, John Rutter, Margaret Smith, and Eugene Wolinsky.
The volunteers are available to talk with Medicare beneficiaries and groups of seniors about Medicare fraud, waste and abuse, which has cost taxpayers $13 billion. While the vast majority of health care providers are honest, $1 out of every $7 spent on Medicare and Medicaid is lost to fraud, waste and abuse in areas such as home health care, skilled nursing facilities and durable medical equipment.
According to Eleanor L. Cain, Director of Delaware's Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities, "Every Delaware Medicare Beneficiary can help fight Medicare fraud by being informed about the problem and knowing how to take appropriate action."
To schedule a presentation for your organization or to report suspected Medicare/Medicaid fraud, waste or abuse, call the Delaware Medicare Fraud Alert at 1-800-223-9074. This project is sponsored by the Delaware Health and Social Services, Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
