Volunteer Opportunities

The SMP program provides an opportunity for seniors to step up and make an impact in the fight against fraud. The dedicated corps of SMP volunteers makes a difference.

During the last 12 years, the SMP program has saved taxpayers $105 million, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In 2008, the program had a total of 4,685 active volunteers.

"The strongest defense against crime is not law enforcement, it is informed citizens," said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, at an AoA-sponsored conference in Washington in August of 2009 during a keynote address to program volunteer coordinators and trainers.

SMP projects recruit and train retired professionals and other senior citizens. These volunteers work in their communities, senior centers and elsewhere to educate Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, family members and caregivers to actively protect themselves against fraudulent, wasteful and abusive health care practices.

According to the U.S. Administration on Aging (AoA), since 1997 more than 22 million people have been reached during community education events, almost 2.9 million beneficiaries educated, more than 68,000 volunteers trained and close to 87,000 complaints have been received as a result of outreach and educational effort.

Become a Volunteer

Volunteers use their time and experience to help peers protect their identity, read their Medicare Summary Notices and avoid getting taken by scammers. They work one-on-one with beneficiaries, give presentations to groups and represent the SMP at events.

They don't do it alone. SMPs prepare volunteers for this important work with seminars, personalized help and information they can take home to study.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Presenter:  Volunteers are needed to present 20 – 45 minute long education sessions to groups of seniors at retirement communities, libraries, Council on Aging events and church gatherings.

Ambassador:  Volunteers are needed to help distribute educational materials at community health fairs, senior fairs, retirement seminars and the like.

Counselor:  Volunteers are needed to man SMP Listening Centers where seniors receive help in understanding their Medicare Summary Notice or reporting a case of possible fraud.

Office Staff:  Volunteers are needed to help with mailings, phone calls and computer data entry.

The future integrity of the health care system depends upon you. Join the effort to help save our precious health care dollars for the care that you may some day need. To volunteer, phone 1-877-272-8720 or email lasmp@lhcr.org.