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.
Category Archives for Consumer Issues
AI Data Centers Spark Utility-Cost Concerns for Older Rate Payers
Published in RINewsToday on May 25, 2026
The Industrial Revolution began at Slater Mill in Pawtucket and transformed the economy through machine-powered manufacturing. Now, 260 years later, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the economy again as computers take on more jobs and reshape industries.
Artificial Intelligence may feel distant from the daily lives of many older Rhode Islanders, but the electric bills needed to power it could become personal. As AI data centers expand across the country, consumer advocates and lawmakers are asking whether residential rate payers — including seniors on fixed incomes — could end up subsidizing the energy infrastructure needed by some of the world’s largest technology companies.
For older adults living on Social Security, pensions, or other fixed incomes, even modest increases in electric bills can mean tradeoffs with food, medication, transportation, or home maintenance.
AI data centers have servers and special computer hardware that run AI systems. Thousands of advanced chips quickly process data to train and run AI models for tasks such as analytics, image generation, and chatbots. Large data centers consume significant amounts of electricity and require advanced cooling systems. This has led to concerns about higher electricity bills, increased water use, and environmental impacts.
The rapid growth of AI has accelerated investment by major technology companies, including Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft. By March 2026, Consumer Reports noted that there were 3,069 data centers across the country, with 1,489 more planned or under construction. Rhode Island has seven data centers.
Some researchers say that AI is driving up electricity demand. A report from Bloom Energy in January 2026 predicts that U.S. data centers will use between 80 and 150 gigawatts of energy, almost doubling from 2025 to 2028.
Opposition Builds Against AI Data Center Projects
Gallup Poll’s first survey on data center construction, released on May 13, 2026, found that many Americans are worried about AI data centers being built in their communities. People are concerned about the use of large areas of land and the possible environmental, economic, and social effects. Seven out of ten people surveyed are against these projects in their area, and almost half (48%) are strongly opposed. Only about a quarter support the centers, and just 7% are strongly in favor, notes Jeffrey M. Jones, the author of the Gallup Poll report.
About one in five people who oppose data centers worry about how they might affect daily life. Their concerns include increased noise, air and water pollution, heavier traffic, and the desire to use the land for something else. Some also mention higher utility bills, rising living costs, and the possible need for subsidies.
“Most of the remaining opposition stems from general or specific concerns about Artificial Intelligence,” notes Jones.
Even though many people have concerns, the survey shows that supporters of AI data centers view the situation differently. Most supporters point to potential economic benefits, such as new jobs, increased tax revenue, and improved infrastructure as the main positives.
When it comes to politics, the Gallup poll found that most people—whether Republican, Democrat, or Independent—do not want a data center built near their homes. The survey notes that Democrats are more likely than Republicans to be strongly opposed (56% compared to 39%), with independents in the middle at 48%.
Older Ratepayers Push Back Against Higher Utility Rates
As AI data centers grow rapidly, AARP in Washington, DC, is monitoring rising power demand and the associated costs. Approximately 40 states have considered legislative or regulatory action related to the impact of large data centers on utility costs, grid reliability, or water use.
AARP’s 2025 report, ‘Powering AI, Draining Wallets: Consumers Could Be at Risk for Steep Electric Bills,’ was conducted by the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago and sampled U.S. households aged 50+. Survey results show that 69% of people aged 50 and over have seen their electric bills go up in the past year, and one in four say the increase is significant. 78% are worried about rising electricity costs, underscoring the financial stress many older adults feel.
75% of respondents call on state leaders to ensure that regular customers do not have to pay for the electricity used by new data centers. While 78% think data centers should cover their own utility costs rather than receive government assistance, just 3% believe ratepayers should pay.
Both Democrats (76%) and Republicans (74%) want state governments to protect customers from having to subsidize AI data centers.
In Oklahoma Older Residents Weigh In on AI Data Center Debate
Also, an AARP report, “Utility Affordability and Large Data Centers,” noted that older Oklahomans, especially those living on fixed incomes, are very worried about data centers and whether they can afford their bills
“Across the country, states are facing the same fundamental question: how to support rapid growth in energy demand without risking affordability for everyday consumers,” said Jenn Jones, Vice President of Financial Security and Livable Communities at AARP, in an April 28, 2026, statement announcing the release of the report.
The survey found that most Oklahomans (92%) think state leaders should make sure current residential customers do not have to pay for the costs of new data centers. Many (86%) also believe that data center companies should pay for the big electricity and infrastructure costs themselves.
Regulating Rhode Island’s Burgeoning Data Center Industry
Supporters of data center development argue that the facilities can bring construction jobs, permanent technical and security jobs, local tax revenue, and investment in electric-grid infrastructure. The central policy question is not whether data centers should exist, but who pays for the added power capacity they require — the companies that use it, or the broader pool of residential and business customers.
On Jan. 28, 2026, House Speaker Pro Tempore Brian Patrick Kennedy (D-Dist. 38, Hopkinton, Westerly) introduced H 7331 to implement state regulations on data centers being built in Rhode Island. The bill was referred to the House Corporations Committee. In the upper chamber, Sen. Louis P. DiPalma (D-Dist. 12, Middletown, Little Compton, Newport, Tiverton) later introduced the Senate companion measure, S 2776, on March 4, 2026, which was referred to the Senate Commerce Committee. Both legislative proposals have since been recommended for further study.
“Data centers have become controversial because they often require improvements to the electric infrastructure, with ratepayers footing the bill,” said Rep. Kennedy. “This, coupled with substantial environmental implications, requires a regulatory framework that can balance the economic benefits of data centers with our energy and environmental concerns,” he says.
Both legislative proposals require the Public Utilities Commission to ensure protections for ratepayers in Rhode Island by preventing data center operators from passing their electricity costs on to residential and other business customers. Data centers must pay their own way to protect ratepayers from subsidizing the large-scale private energy demands of these projects, and no costs related to the construction of electric infrastructure should be allocated to other customers.
It would also require each data center to submit an annual report to the RI Department of Environmental Management detailing daily water withdrawals, the cooling technologies used, and water recycling or reuse practices. It would allow the DEM director to require a data center to submit a water efficiency, conservation, or recycling plan as a condition of any permit issued. A final provision requires financial assurance that provides for site restoration in the event of abandonment or cessation of operations.
For older Rhode Islanders, the debate is likely to be less about artificial intelligence itself than about affordability. As data centers expand, lawmakers and regulators will face a basic question: how to support new technology and economic development without shifting private infrastructure costs onto households already struggling with rising utility bills.
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Rhode Island Now One of 12 States Cracking Down on Crypto ATM Fraud
Published in RINewsToday on August 11, 2025
Rhode Island joins 11 other states in enacting laws or regulations to protect consumers from fraud at cryptocurrency ATMs, addressing the disproportionate impact on older adults. According to the Washington, DC-based AARP, older adults disproportionately fall victim to Crypto ATM Fraud.
On June 17, 2025, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, put a spotlight on this national issue at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing entitled, “Scammers Exposed: Protecting Older Americans from Transnational Crime Networks.” At the hearing, the Illinois senator announced the introduction of the Crypto ATM Fraud Prevention Act with Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jack Reed (D-RI), and Peter Welch (D-VT) to help end these scams.
Crypto ATMs look like normal ATMs and can be found in 45,000 locations nationwide, including grocery stores and gas stations. The key difference is that instead of depositing money with your bank, a crypto ATM allows customers to purchase cryptocurrency like Bitcoin. Crypto ATM scams led to nearly $247 million in losses in 2024, says Senator Durbin, citing an FBI report. Adults over age 60 accounted for more than 67% of the victims of reported crypto ATM fraud.
According to Federal Trade Commission data, nationwide fraud losses through crypto ATMs jumped nearly tenfold from 2020 to 2024 and surpassed $65 million in the first half of 2024.
Bipartisan Support Key to Passage of Crypto Legislative Proposals
Throughout the nation, at the state level, the burgeoning kiosk industry lacks important regulations, making crypto ATMs ripe for criminal fraud, says AARP. With support from the Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit organization advocating for America’s older adults, 11 states enacted new laws this year to combat the hundreds of millions of dollars lost annually to crypto ATM fraud. Bipartisan support on both sides of the aisle resulted in passage of legislative proposals in these states – Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Maine, Illinois, Maryland, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
“In state after state, AARP found lawmakers on both sides of the aisle and local law enforcement eager to work on commonsense rules that balance innovation and consumer safety,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer, in a statement announcing successful state legislative actions. “With criminals disproportionately targeting older Americans through crypto ATM scams, we’re proud to have helped pass these laws that will better protect millions of people nationwide from having their hard-earned money stolen,” she said.
“Our law that passed the statehouse in Illinois will see consumers at crypto ATMs protected by transaction limits, required ATM registration, guidelines on refunds after fraud, and more,” said AARP Illinois State Director Philippe Largent. “We’re committed to staying on top of this issue and other modern-day fraud trends to ensure that our 1.7 million members in Illinois—and all older adults and their families—are not robbed of their hard-earned money.”
“Nebraska’s new law, which passed on March 6, is hopefully a model for other states – and perhaps even one day the nation,” said AARP Nebraska State Director Todd Stubbendieck. “We know this law is greatly needed, and when the legislation goes into effect in September, we expect it will have a significant impact in helping to deter crypto ATM fraud.”
Rhode Island Passes Protective Crypto Legislation, Too
As Sen. Durbin held his hearing, that day, June 17th, the Rhode Island General Assembly approved legislation sponsored by Senate Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Technologies Committee Chairwoman Victoria Gu (D-Dist. 38, Westerly, Charlestown, South Kingstown) and Rep. Julie A. Casimiro (D-Dist. 31, North Kingstown, Exeter) to protect older Rhode Islanders from the rapidly growing category of scams that use cryptocurrency ATMs to defraud victims. The legislation was signed into law by Gov. Dan McKee on June 26, 2025.
The Nuts and Bolts
The legislation (S 0016A, H 5121A) states that each crypto ATM operator must register with the Department of Business Regulation as a money transmitter and is required to provide live customer service Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
Daily limits would be set to $2,000 per day for new customers and $5,000 per day for existing customers. New customers are defined as utilizing the ATMs of a licensed operator for the first time and for 30 days thereafter. Existing customers include any person who has used the ATM of a licensed operator for more than 30 days after first use.
A new customer can receive a full refund if they report the fraud to law enforcement within 90 days. An existing customer can receive a refund of the transaction fees if they report the fraud to law enforcement within 90 days. In both cases, the customer must notify both the ATM operator and law enforcement.
Operators would be required to provide numerous statutory disclosures (including fees) and warnings to protect and inform users. The company must also provide a detailed paper receipt of all transactions in compliance with statutory requirements.
“Cryptocurrency ATMs are kiosks that allow users to deposit cash and easily convert it into cryptocurrency. We’ve seen victims in our own communities lose thousands of dollars when scammers direct them to send cash through these machines. Rhode Island, compared to some neighboring states, is behind the curve on regulating this new technology,” warned Gu.
“Crypto ATMs are unfortunately an increasingly common way for criminals to get away with their ill-gotten gains, and without increased regulation, this trend will only accelerate,” she said.
“Crypto ATMs look a lot like regular ATMs, and you can find them across Rhode Island in convenience stores, laundromats, liquor stores, and smoke shops. You’ve probably walked by one without even knowing it. They have no transaction limits, and once money is deposited to a scammer, there is virtually no way to recover it. Regulation of these kiosks is long overdue. It’s our responsibility as lawmakers to protect Rhode Islanders—especially the elderly—from scammers and techno-criminals, and this legislation is an important part of fulfilling that responsibility,” said Casimiro.
“This important legislation will deter criminals from using crypto ATMs for fraudulent activity by creating important safety measures and consumer protections. Older Rhode Islanders have worked hard to save for a secure retirement. AARP applauds the General Assembly for ensuring that Rhode Islanders’ savings remain where they belong—and not in a criminal’s digital wallet,” said Catherine Taylor, AARP Rhode Island State Director.
While it was a monumental achievement to pass legislation in so many statehouses across the country, AARP continues its work to push legislative proposals in other states without anti-fraud measures to protect older adults.
To learn how to spot and avoid scams, go to:
https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/
If you suspect financial fraud, report it to local law enforcement or call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 877-908-3360. You can also visit:
https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/helpline
For more details about crypto fraud, go to:
https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/cryptocurrency/
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Herb Weiss 