AARP launched new tools designed to help older Americans understand their quarterly Medicare Summary Notices to help them spot and report errors and potentially fraudulent charges.

The tools are designed to help seniors understand the charges noted on their quarterly statements so they can compare the statements to their actually doctor visits and medical services received during the quarter.  The dates and codes on paperwork received from doctors should match those on the Medicare statement.  Verifying the accuracy of these statements cannot not only root out fraud,but can also identify errors that may have led to seniors paying larger than appropriate out-of-pocket expenses.

“With health care costs already rising, people in Medicare and their families need every tool available to understand the services they pay for and crack down on the fraud and errors that cost them billions of dollars each year,” said AARP Vice President Nicole Duritz. “Seniors and their loved ones can be a first line of defense by reviewing their Medicare Summary Notices every time and reporting problems to their providers or to Medicare.”

The tools include advice to seniors on how to report suspected inaccuracies, as well as, tools to help them navigate the health care system and reduce their costs.