SSA Trustees Report Calls on Congress to Fix Social Security and Medicare

Published in RINewsToday on June 22, 2026

Congress faces the urgent legislative task of ensuring the long-term viability of the nation’s Social Security program. As in previous years, the Social Security Board of Trustees’ 2026 report warns that without congressional action, the OASI and DI Trust Funds will pay full benefits only through 2034. Afterward, payroll tax revenue will cover about 83% of scheduled benefits, highlighting the need for timely Congressional intervention.

Federal law requires that trust fund-financed programs such as Social Security and Medicare pay out only as much in benefits as they receive in revenues once their trust fund reserves run out.

According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), about 21% to 22% of the U.S. population currently receives Social Security benefits. The released Trustee’s report notes that at the end of 2025, Social Security paid benefits to more than 70 million Americans: 56 million retired workers and their dependents, 8 million disabled workers and their families, and 6 million survivors of deceased workers. Medicare covered an estimated 69.3 million people.

The Trustees also said that recent congressional actions, including the Social Security Fairness Act and changes to the taxation of Social Security benefits, weakened the program’s long-term financial outlook.

The Social Security Board of Trustees is the group that issues the annual report on the financial health of Social Security’s trust funds — the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance fund and the Disability Insurance fund.

It has six seats:

1.    Secretary of the Treasury — also the Managing Trustee

2.    Secretary of Labor

3.    Secretary of Health and Human Services

4.    Commissioner of Social Security

5.    Public Trustee appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate

6.    Public Trustee appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate

As of the 2026 Trustees Report, the current government-position trustees are:

·         Scott Bessent, Secretary of the Treasury and Managing Trustee

·         Keith E. Sonderling, Acting Secretary of Labor

·         Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services

·         Frank J. Bisignano, Commissioner of Social Security

The two public trustee seats are currently vacant

Demographic Changes Strain Social Security Finances

The annual Trustees Report, released on June 9, said several long-term demographic trends strain the financial stability of Social Security, as fewer workers pay payroll taxes into the program to support a growing population of beneficiaries.

Americans live longer and collect benefits for more years, while millions of Baby Boomers continue to retire. Birthrates stay below historical levels, so fewer workers enter the labor force.  Lower levels of immigration increase financial pressure by reducing the number of workers who pay payroll taxes.

The combined Social Security trust funds are currently projected to pay full benefits through 2034. However, the outlook for the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) Trust Fund has weakened slightly. Trustees project OASI reserves will be depleted in late 2032. At that point, revenues are expected to cover only about 78% of scheduled OASI benefits, compared to the overall 83% coverage for all Social Security benefits after combined depletion.

The Trustees Report also notes that Social Security’s disability program remains financially stable. The Disability Insurance (DI) Trust Fund is expected to stay adequately financed throughout the 75-year projection period and pay full benefits without interruption.

Taking a Look at Medicare

Also released on June 9, the 2026 Medicare Trustees Report found that Medicare remains financially stable in the near term but faces significant long-term funding shortfalls caused by rising health care costs and an aging population.

According to the Trustees, Medicare spending will grow faster than revenues dedicated to financing the program. The health care needs of retiring Baby Boomers, growing Medicare enrollment, rising medical costs, and increased spending for services used frequently by older adults—including skilled nursing care, home health care, and hospice services—largely drive this increase.

The Medicare Hospital Insurance (HI) Trust Fund, which pays for Medicare Part A services, is projected to be depleted in the second quarter of 2033—three months earlier than last year’s prediction. After depletion, Medicare Part A would be able to cover about 89% of its costs from incoming revenue. Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility services, home health care, and hospice care.

Congress must act within the next seven years to prevent significant reductions in Medicare payments to providers. Addressing the projected shortfall before the 2033 trust fund depletion is essential to avoid an estimated 11% funding gap.

Unlike Part A, Medicare Parts B and D are not expected to face trust fund insolvency because they are financed through a combination of beneficiary premiums and general federal revenues.

Max Richtman, President & CEO of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (NCPSSM), says a range of proposals could help extend the solvency of Medicare’s Hospital Insurance (HI) Trust Fund without reducing benefits.

Among the options, says Richtman, are raising the Medicare tax rate on earned and investment income above $400,000 from 3.8% to 5%, and closing loopholes that allow some high-income business owners to avoid Medicare taxes by structuring income in ways that escape both payroll taxes and the Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT). NCPSSM also supports redirecting revenue from the 3.8% NIIT—currently deposited into general federal revenues—directly to the HI Trust Fund, he says, noting that the group estimates this change could generate roughly $500 billion over 10 years.

In addition, Richtman recommends building on the prescription drug reforms in the Inflation Reduction Act by expanding Medicare’s ability to negotiate drug prices, accelerating negotiations as more medications are added, and extending inflation-rebate requirements to commercial insurance plans. Savings from these measures, he says, would be credited directly to the HI Trust Fund, further strengthening Medicare’s long-term outlook.

Reactions From Advocacy Groups and Lawmakers

In a statement, AARP CEO Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan warned that the 2026 projections show Congress still must close a financing gap of nearly 20%, or Americans could face benefit reductions they cannot afford.

“This should be a wake-up call: Congress needs to act. Americans have worked hard and paid into Social Security their entire lives, and they deserve to count on it when they retire,” she said. “They planned for retirement, followed the rules, and now Congress must keep its promise by strengthening, not cutting, Social Security,” Minter-Jordan added, urging lawmakers to work across party lines to strengthen the program.

“The Social Security Trustees Report is a clarion call for Congress to strengthen the program now before the looming depletion of the trust fund becomes a full-blown crisis,” said NCPSSM’s Richtman in a released statement.

“If Congress fails to act, the combined retirement and disability trust fund reserves will run dry in 2034, and beneficiaries will suffer an automatic 17% cut—a scenario few want to see happen. Lawmakers should not wait until the last minute when options become more limited and remedies more costly,” he said.

Richtman also argued that benefit reductions are not necessary to restore Social Security’s financial health and that beneficiaries living on fixed incomes should not bear the burden of strengthening the program.

In a statement, Nancy Altman, president of Social Security Works, likewise emphasized that the Trustees Report demonstrates the consequences of inaction.

“As the Trustees Report plainly states, if there is insufficient revenue, Social Security benefits will be automatically cut,” Altman said.

On June 15, 2026, House Speaker Mike Johnson said during a Louisiana radio interview that Republicans would like to address the growth of mandatory federal spending programs in future budget discussions, including Social Security. He argued that the federal budget is increasingly driven by automatic spending commitments and said that Social Security and other entitlement programs “have to be adjusted and fixed.”

Responding to Johnson’s remarks, Altman argued that some Republican proposals would move Social Security toward privatization, a characterization that supporters of those proposals dispute. She also criticized proposals that would reduce future benefits rather than increase revenues to strengthen the program.

Public opinion surveys consistently show strong bipartisan support for preserving Social Security benefits. Altman argued that proposals to reduce benefits through means testing or other changes would be unpopular with voters and called on congressional candidates to explain how they would address the program’s long-term financing challenges.

During a June 10 morning hearing of the Joint Social Security and Work & Welfare Subcommittee with Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano, held in room 1100 at 100 Longworth House Office Building, Rep. Jason Smith (R-MO) noted that Social Security benefits have only been modified twice in 40 years, most recently in 1983, with only minor changes under his chairmanship of the House Committee on Ways and Means in 2025.

“Congress needs to get its act together to address Social Security and the insolvency that’s coming instead of poking blame at other people when it is our duty, our responsibility,” Smith said, urging bipartisan cooperation between Republicans and Democrats to reform the program. He called for the protection of vulnerable populations who depend entirely on Social Security for retirement and a dignified standard of living, particularly in the rural communities they represent.

“This latest report from the trustees is proof that Congress must step up now to protect Social Security before it’s too late. It’s only going to cost more and be more difficult to solve the longer we wait,” said Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) in a statement issued on June 10, outlining his plan to rescue Social Security by creating a sovereign wealth fund independent of the Social Security Trust Fund.

Cassidy joined Sens. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) in issuing a bipartisan statement following the release of the Trustees Report. The senators said that “Congress shouldn’t delay any longer” and urged lawmakers to begin debating and voting on proposals to strengthen Social Security’s long-term solvency.

Putting Social Security on the Ballot

The Trustees’ Report makes it very clear that Social Security and Medicare are not facing an immediate financial crisis. Both programs will continue paying benefits for years to come. However, these reports also warn Congress that delaying action will make the eventual policy solutions more difficult to achieve and potentially more disruptive.

Many Republican proposals focus on slowing future benefit growth through measures such as raising the retirement age, modifying cost-of-living adjustments, or expanding means testing, while many Democrats favor increasing revenues by requiring higher-income Americans to contribute more into the system.

Over a year ago, lawmakers introduced a major bill to rescue Social Security and Medicare. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) introduced the Medicare and Social Security Fair Share Act (S. 1690) to ensure both programs remain stable in the future. The plan raises money by closing tax loopholes for ultra-wealthy Americans, but it completely shields anyone making under $400,000 a year from paying higher taxes. Representative Brendan F. Boyle (D-PA) brought the exact same bill to the House floor at the same time.

Legislative proposals, such as Whitehouse’s, to adjust the taxable wage cap or apply payroll taxes to certain forms of investment income have also been offered as ways to ensure Social Security’s fiscal solvency.

A new voter education campaign is highlighting the financial challenges facing Social Security. Led by NCPSSM’s Richtman, the “Social Security is on the Ballot” initiative aims to build public support for legislative solutions, including Sen. Whitehouse and Rep. Boyle’s proposed Fair Share Act, to help secure funding for the program.

There are many issues competing for voters’ attention this year,” explains Richtman, “But few will have such a profound effect on your future. Voters should insist [at the ballot box] that the fundamental promise of Social Security be preserved – as the program is strengthened for the future,” he said.

This multi-faceted campaign will encompass social media, short web videos, special editions of our “You Earned This” podcast and radio show, mailings, and grass-roots engagement/activism.

For over 70 million older Americans who rely on their Social Security and Medicare benefits, the Trustees’ Reports deliver a very clear message: Congress must act sooner rather than kicking the proverbial can down the road (as it usually has). As the projected trust fund depletion dates draw closer, lawmakers will need to work across the aisle to strengthen these programs and ensure they remain financially sound for current beneficiaries and future generations.

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For a copy of the 2026 Social Security Trustees Report, go to The 2026 OASDI Trustees Report

For a copy of the 2026 Medicare Trustees Report, go to 2026 Medicare Trustees Report

RI’s New Budget Considered a Win for Older Adults

Published in RINewstoday on June 15, 2026

As the 2026 legislative session wraps up, lawmakers approved a $15.2 billion state budget for Fiscal Year 2027. The budget blueprint (H 7127 Aaa) aims to provide economic relief, improve education and health care, and advance government reforms without raising broad-based taxes or fees.

According to House Communications Director Larry Berman, the House floor debate began at 3:35 p.m. on Friday, June 5, and lasted 3 hours and 45 minutes.  House lawmakers offered 16 amendments, and 10 were approved (none of these targeted aging programs and services). At 7:20 p.m., the budget passed on a vote of 65 to 10, with 64 Democrats and one independent voting in favor, while all 10 Republicans opposed it.

Greg Pare, Senate Communications Director notes: “On Tuesday, June 9, 2026, the upper chamber debated the House proposal for two hours and 17 minutes, beginning at 4:20 p.m. and concluding at 6:37 p.m. Senators considered 12 amendments, but none were approved. The Fiscal Year 2027 budget passed 32-6 without changes. Senators Samuel W. Bell (D-Dist. 5, Providence) and Leonidas “Lou” Raptakis (D-Dist. 33, East Greenwich and West Greenwich) joined the four Republican Senators in opposing passage of the budget proposal.”

Three days later, Gov. Dan McKee signed the 393-page Rhode Island General Assembly Fiscal year 2027 budget proposal at 10:30 a.m. at Children’s Friend in Providence.

While much of the attention surrounding the Fiscal Year 2027 budget focused on programs and services, lawmakers also approved several significant policy changes and revenue measures. Chief among them is a new tax on annual income exceeding $1 million. The phased-in surtax is expected to generate approximately $142 million annually when fully implemented, providing additional revenue to help support state services and offset potential reductions in federal funding.

The state’s budget also creates an independent Office of Inspector General to strengthen government accountability and oversight. In addition, the Rhode Island General Assembly approved increased funding for hospitals, behavioral health and home-care providers, child welfare programs, public transit, and higher education, while authorizing an audit of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation.

Investing in Rhode Island’s Aging Programs and Services

Although these initiatives will affect Rhode Islanders across all age groups, the budget also contains provisions that directly impact older adults, caregivers, and aging-service providers throughout the Ocean State.

The Fiscal Year 2027 budget expands eligibility for exempting Social Security income from state taxation by removing the age threshold. Under current law, taxpayers who have reached full Social Security retirement age (67 or older) and have incomes below $107,000 for individuals and $133,750 for joint filers are exempt from paying state income tax on their Social Security benefits. With the passage of the budget, the age requirement has been eliminated.

The state budget also increases funding by $200,000, bringing total funding for senior services grants to $1.8 million.

Meals on Wheels, which provides nutrition services to older adults, was also on lawmakers’ radar. The budget increases funding for the program by $50,000, bringing total state support to $730,000.

The Rhode Island General Assembly’s approved budget allocates $4.1 million to fund the “Eat Well, Be Well” program for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. This funding will help older Rhode Islanders struggling with the high cost of groceries.

Under the program, eligible SNAP households will receive an incentive of 50 cents for every dollar spent on fruits and vegetables, with the benefit loaded onto their electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards, up to a maximum amount to be determined by the Rhode Island Department of Human Services.

The budget also increases funding for the Rhode Island Community Food Bank by $1 million, bringing total state support to $2.95 million to address food insecurity among families, including older adults.

In response to a significant increase in complaints regarding care, the budget provides additional funding to the state’s Office of Healthy Aging to support the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, administered by the Alliance for Better Long-Term Care.

The budget allocates funding for full cost-of-living increases in nursing home reimbursement rates, with 80 percent of the increase directed toward direct-care staff compensation. Gov. McKee’s proposed budget had limited the increase to 2.5 percent.

As for the state’s nursing facility minimum staffing requirements, the budget includes $200,000 to implement the Nursing Home Staffing and Quality Care Act. The provision requires the Rhode Island Department of Health to enforce staffing requirements at all nursing homes. The funding will support contracted services to collect and analyze data and calculate penalties for noncompliant facilities.

The state budget also includes $3.1 million to begin a phased opening of new beds at the Rhode Island Veterans Home. The funding is expected to increase capacity by 16 beds in each of the next two years, bringing the facility to its maximum capacity of 192 residents.

Assisted living facilities will see increased Medicaid reimbursement rates for caring for residents with dementia and those with higher personal-care needs. Advocates say the increase will help facilities accept and care for these residents while reducing premature nursing home placements.

The Fiscal Year 2027 budget also doubles the amount of assets that Medicaid home-care recipients may retain, helping older adults cope with rising housing costs and other basic needs.

Several provisions within the budget are intended to address the growing shortage of primary care providers, including assisting providers with medical school costs and seed funding for a new medical school at the University of Rhode Island (both of which were components of the Senate’s package of priority health care bills).

In addition, the budget fully funds rate increases for home- and community-based services recommended by an Office of Health Insurance study. The governor’s budget proposal had funded only half of the recommended increases. SACRI says the additional funding should improve worker compensation and help prevent waiting lists for services.

A nursing home behavioral health per diem add-on included in the budget provides additional resources for facilities caring for residents with both nursing and behavioral health needs, helping to avoid unnecessary transfers to acute-care settings.

Finally, an additional $13.5 million was included in the Fiscal Year 2027 budget to help the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority maintain services and avoid service reductions.

The Aftermath: Lawmakers and Aging Groups Debate Budget Proposals’ Impact

“I am proud of this budget, which addresses the concerns and struggles of everyday Rhode Islanders, including our older residents, who need access to health care, who need to be able to pay their bills, and who need to know that their government is honest and effective,” said Christopher R. Blazejewski.  “This budget is the result of months of listening, prioritizing, and identifying ways to fix what isn’t working, he stated.

“It provides relief today while being fiscally responsible and putting our state in a better position in the years to come,” notes Blazejewski.

“This budget reflects many of the Senate’s priorities, including funding health care initiatives and supporting seniors and Rhode Islanders in need,” said Senate President Valarie J. Lawson (D-Dist. 14, East Providence). “This is a responsible, balanced budget that provides relief for Rhode Islanders, including our older residents, while investing in and strengthening programs that support seniors, she says, noting that it complements other legislation the Senate passed this year to support older adults. She sponsored legislation to protect against the growing national threat of deed theft, a scam by which thieves defraud seniors of their real estate.

“These budget decisions reflect real progress for Rhode Islanders who rely on long-term services and community supports,” said Executive Director Carol Anne Costa. “We are encouraged to see the state make investments that strengthen care, support the workforce, and help older adults remain in the settings that best meet their needs.”

According to Costa, “SACRI fully intends to return in the next session to pursue the Medicare Saving Program’s asset test removal, the creation of the Office of the Elder Advocate, and secure a tax credit for caregivers. “These efforts do not come with huge price tags and in fact, infuse money back into the RI economy,” says Costa.

Costa emphasizes that Rhode Island’s aging population and adults with disabilities deserve nothing less, as the organization continues to be the voice for progress on their behalf.

“As the cost of food continues to skyrocket, our seniors, those with long-term care, and other Rhode Islanders living on a fixed income are being further squeezed. This budget helps ensure they can still get the healthy meals they need through targeted investments in SNAP and organizations like Meals on Wheels and the RI Community Food Bank. This budget brings us closer to ensuring food security for all Rhode Islanders,” says Lt. Gov. Sabrina Mattos, says  Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos, chair of the state’s Long-Term Care Coordinating Council.

“We appreciate the legislature’s commitment to strengthening Rhode Island’s long-term services and supports through this year’s budget,” says Mag Morelli, president of LeadingAge Connecticut & Rhode Island. “The investments in assisted living, community-based services, and nursing home care recognize the growing needs of older adults.

By supporting Medicaid reimbursement rates that more closely reflect the cost of care, this budget helps providers deliver essential services while promoting stability, access, and choice for aging Rhode Islanders.”

Hopes Dashed: Budget Fails Rhode Island’s Caregivers

Meredith L. Sheehan, Director of Public Policy, Alzheimer’s Association, Rhode Island Chapter: “More than 22,000 Rhode Islanders live with Alzheimer’s disease, and 37,000 serve as caregivers. We applaud budget investments in senior centers, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, and assisted living providers, but are disappointed funding was not included for a Dementia Services Coordinator, a dedicated position needed to develop a coordinated statewide response to dementia.”

“I am encouraged by the 2027 budget’s funding that strengthens our support for people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia (ADRD) and their caregivers, including increased Medicaid reimbursement for specialized assisted living and for nursing home care,” says Chris Gadbois, DNP, RN, chair of RI’s Council on ADRD.

“People’s ability to remain safely in their homes will be supported by increased rates for home and community-based services and an increase in the asset limits,” notes Gadbois.

However, like Sheehan, Gadbois expressed disappointment that funding for a state Dementia Service Coordinator within the Rhode Island Department of Health was not advanced in the past budget proposal, adding, “We will continue to collaborate with state leadership for this critical position, as well as reintroduce legislation to ensure healthcare providers’ and facilities’ competency in caring for individuals with dementia.”

“The Office of Healthy Aging appreciates Governor McKee’s continued commitment to older Rhode Islanders and to the systems of support that help people age with dignity, connection, and independence. We remain focused on working with state and community partners to strengthen access to services and supports for older adults, caregivers, and families across Rhode Island,” says Maria E. Cimini, MSW, Director, RI Office of Healthy Aging.

Lori Light, the state’s long-term care ombudsman, welcomes FY 2027 budget investments in aging-in-place programs. “It strengthens our advocacy for nursing home and assisted living residents,” Light said. She urges continued funding to expand ombudsman services, allowing the agency to handle increasingly complex complaints and ensure all residents receive timely support.

To view all provisions of  H 7127Aaa, the state’s enacted 2027 Fiscal Year Budget proposal, go HERE – https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText26/HouseText26/H7127Aaa.pdf

Medicare Fraud Prevention Week Puts Focus on Protecting Seniors from Scams

Published in RINewsToday on June 8, 2026

As skyrocketing Medicare fraud schemes cost taxpayers billions each year, congressional leaders, federal agencies, and consumer advocacy groups intensify their efforts to combat aggressive scams targeting older Americans.

Experts estimate that Medicare fraud, waste, and abuse may cost as much as $60 billion annually. However, no federal agency publishes a definitive total amount because much of the activity goes undetected.

The growing incidents of Medicare fraud, waste, and abuse framed the discussion on June 3, 2026, at the Leon Mathieu Senior Center in Pawtucket, where more than 40 older adults gathered for the Fifth Annual Medicare Fraud Prevention Week event.

During the 75-minute presentation, three federal officials shared valuable information with the attending Medicare beneficiaries, designed to increase their awareness of fraud tactics and equip them with practical strategies to safeguard their personal and health care benefits.

The afternoon program was hosted by Rhode Island’s Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP), along with special agents from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and the City of Pawtucket.

At the gathering, municipal, state, and federal leaders warned that Medicare recipients remain primary targets of fraudsters who use fake medical claims and identity theft. Specific types of fraud were highlighted, including durable medical equipment (orthotic braces, urinary catheters), genetic testing, and fraudulent billing by medical providers.

Learning to Spot the Warning Signs

Christine Anderson, Health Information Manager at the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging (OHA) and the leader of the state’s SMP program, said the program’s goal is to provide beneficiaries with practical tools to protect themselves and encourage them to be more proactive in reporting suspicious fraud activity, potentially reducing the success rate of scams within Rhode Island.

Anderson emphasized that scammers will often pose as representatives of Medicare, Social Security, or local human services offices to obtain or confirm Medicare numbers, which can be used to bill for unnecessary durable medical equipment such as back or knee braces.

SMP’s Program Manager urged attendees to review their Medicare Summary Notices (for Original Medicare) or their Explanation of Medical Benefits (EOMB), and to seek assistance from the SMP program and the Leon Mathieu Senior Center (or their local senior center) if they see unfamiliar charges.

“If something doesn’t look right, ask questions,” Anderson urged.

“We are grateful to the OHA, HHS-OIG, CMS, and the SMP for bringing this important information directly to our residents,” Donald R. Grebien, Mayor of Pawtucket said. “Education and awareness are critical in protecting older adults and preserving the integrity of the Medicare system.” It is one of the strongest defenses against scams targeting older residents,’ he says. Grebien pointed out that fraud can threaten both the financial security and well-being of seniors.

Echoing Grebien’s sentiment, Elizabeth Moreira, Pawtucket’s Deputy Director of Administration, said community education is key, stressing that awareness of the growing prevalence of scams is one of our strongest tools for preventing fraud. “Events like today give our community and caregivers the tools they need to recognize warning signs, protect their personal information, and report fraud before it can harm them,” Moreira said.

Federal Enforcement Efforts

HHS-OIG Special Agent Victoria Mens and Assistant Special Agent Lindsay Walford described their federal agency’s role in investigating fraud, waste, and abuse across more than 100 HHS programs, including health, social, and Medicare and Medicaid programs.

The federal agents also explained how they fight Medicare fraud, waste, and abuse.

They highlighted how the Office of Audit Services and the Office of Evaluation and Inspections publish reports on systemic problems including nursing homes lacking emergency power and using antipsychotic drugs to control residents.

To safeguard $2 trillion in federal healthcare funds, HHS-OIG conducts audits, evaluations, and criminal investigations.

The federal officials also cited prosecutions involving overbilling for medical equipment, large-scale catheter fraud schemes, and psychiatric billing for services that were never provided.

One of the most costly schemes involving urinary catheters was estimated to have resulted in attempted losses of about $4.5 billion, notes Walford.

During the presentation, Walford cited a Rhode Island case. She noted that Zynex Medical allegedly overbilled multiple payers about $873 million for TENS units and excessive supplies, leading to criminal charges against company leaders and a non-prosecution agreement with the company.

“A lot of that has been stopped, and so that money hasn’t all gone out, but that’s the tune and counting as to how much they’re attempting to pull out of the Medicare Trust Fund,” Walford said. She gave an overview of HHS-OIG accomplishments.  Between April and September 2025, OIG work led to $2.2 billion in recoveries through settlements and criminal restitution. The agency said it returns nearly $13 for every dollar spent on oversight.

During the same period, investigators completed more than 900 investigations and issued hundreds of recommendations to prevent improper payments, says Walford.

Protecting Yourself

Mens urged seniors to treat their Medicare number with the same care as a Social Security number. “Don’t give out that information,” she warns. “If someone calls claiming to be from Medicare or says they are your healthcare provider, hang up and call back using a number you know is legitimate,” she says.

“Scammers rely on urgency,” Mens said. “Take time to talk with a family member, Medicare representative, or healthcare professional before making any decisions,” she says.

Jennifer Syria, Regional Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, pointed out that beneficiaries play a critical role in preventing fraud. “When you review your statements and notice unfamiliar charges, you become a valuable investigator in preventing fraud,” Syria said.

Syria encouraged residents to report suspected fraud and have key details ready, including provider names, dates of service, payment amounts, and Medicare Summary Notices.

 “If you suspect you are a victim of fraud, our trained staff can meet with you to help resolve the issue,” says Mary Lou Moran, Director of the Leon Mathieu Senior Center. If you need assistance, call 401-728-7582. Moran notes that protecting yourself comes down to three key actions: prevent, detect, and report.

For more details about Rhode Island’s Senior Medicare Patrol program, call (401) 1-888-884-8721.