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Hawaii's Program to Prevent Medicare and Medicaid Fraud and Abuse
A Program of the Executive Office
on Aging
Since 1997, the SageWatch Program has been providing education
to Hawaii's Medicare/Medicaid beneficiaries, their families, and
their caregivers about prevention of fraud and abuse in the Medicare/Medicaid
programs. The SageWatch program is one of fifty-two programs across
the country and in Puerto Rico involved in the effort to eliminate
future losses to the Medicare Trust Fund. Our program is funded
by the Department of Health and Human Services, Administration
on Aging.
In 2001, in Hawaii, $710 million was spent on the Medicare program.
According to the Office of Inspector General, 6.3% was lost due
to improper payments. That means that approximately, $45 million
was lost in part to fraud and abuse. That cost you, the taxpayer:
- $86,500 per day
- $12,300 per hour
- $312 per minute
How does the SageWatch Program work?
SageWatch volunteers have given presentations to over 6,000 persons
since we began the program. We have distributed thousands of brochures
at health fairs, and we have responded to hundreds of telephone
inquiries from beneficiaries who have seen our television ads, heard
our radio spots, seen our print advertising, or have seen our bus
posters.
This year, we hope to reach an even larger audience. To find out
how you can become part of this very special volunteer group, please
call SageWatch at (808) 586-7281 in Honolulu. Neighbor islands or
mainland call toll free at 1-800-296-9422.
If you prefer, go to our Volunteer link
and you will find all the necessary forms to become a SageWatch
volunteer.
 SageWatch
volunteers remind beneficiaries to:
1. Find a doctor you can talk to about your health
care.
2. Keep a record of your doctor or hospital visits.
3. Protect your Medicare/Medicaid number.
4. Review your Medicare statement.
5. Don't allow television, radio, or internet
advertising to influence decisions about your health.
6. Don't accept money or gifts in exchange for
medical care.
7. Ask questions - You have a right to know about
your medical care.
8. Educate yourself about Medicare.
To Report Suspected Fraud or Abuse:
If you suspect that you have been a victim of Medicare/Medicaid
fraud or abuse, first contact your provider or call the number of
the Medicare office printed on your Medicare statement. You may
also complete the form Report of Suspected
Fraud or Abuse. A SageWatch staff person will review the report
and contact you. Of course, you may call our office at (808) 586-7281
or 1-800-296-9422.
Click here to Report Suspected Fraud
or Abuse
To Request a Speaker:
If you would like to arrange for a presentation for your organization,
you may contact us by telephone at (808) 586-7281 (neighbor islands
call 1-800-296-9422) or complete the Request
for Presentation Form.
Click here to Request a Presenter
Personnel
| Program Coordinator |
Derrick Ariyoshi |
| Program Assistant |
Judy Kern |
| Address |
250 S. Hotel Street, Suite 406 |
|
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 |
| Fax |
(808) 586-0185 |
For more information on Medicare check the following websites:
United States Department of Health & Human Services, Administration
on Aging Anti-Fraud and Abuse Activities
United States Department of Health & Human Services, Centers for
Medicare/Medicaid Services
United States Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector
General
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