Tracking Health Fraud Smarter: SMP Medicare Tracker Mobile App
Fraud prevention isn’t just for experts—this app makes it practical for everyday users.
Health fraud remains a major issue in the United States, costing billions of dollars every year and most times targets some of the most vulnerable members of society, elderly people. Medicare beneficiaries specifically are frequent targets for fraudulent billing, deceptive medical schemes, and aggressive scams over the phone or online. For people navigating the complexity of Medicare services, the risk of falling victim to a fraud is very real if you do not have any support or technical expertise.
Bringing Fraud Prevention Into Focus
That is where the SMP Medicare Tracker app comes in. Developed by the SMP National Resource Center, this custom-built mobile app was created for elderly people and their caregivers to take a more active role in monitoring their healthcare services. Additionally, the app educates users on fraud tactics and how to report suspicious activity when needed. Fraud education, real-time appointment tracking, and secure communication tools are baked into one simple and accessible package which makes it incredibly useful for people who may not be as technologically advanced.
Designed for Simplicity and Security
The app was independently developed from the ground up to meet the specific needs of the SMP program and it runs natively on both iOS and Android platforms. The app’s home page can be seen on the right and it is clear that the app is designed to be as easy to use and straightforward as possible. The interface is very straightforward and guides the user through all of its features without any unnecessary complexity, and one of it’s biggest commitments is to user privacy as no personal data is ever collected or shared.
One of its most practical tools is the healthcare tracker where users can record details of their doctor visits, procedures, and services received. Users can also add additional notes under any entry to remember specific information or dates for the next visit. Later on these records can be compared against official Medicare Summary Notices or Explanation of Benefits statements. If there are ever any discrepancies, the app makes it easy to report the issue to a local SMP office.
Informing Users of Health Fraud News
To further support fraud awareness, the app features a dedicated scam alerts section that highlights real-world examples of fraud activity. These alerts are updated regularly and curated by the SMP team to reflect the most urgent scams happening across the country. From fake phone calls impersonating Medicare agents to misleading offers, each alert provides a short summary of the scam and how it works. The goal is to keep users one steam ahead and prepared to recognize fraud before it becomes a bigger issue.
In addition to alerts, the app has a News section that pulls in relevant articles and press related to health fraud, government investigations, and policy changes. This section functions as a live news feed and helps users stay connected to broader developments that can affect how fraud is committed or prosecuted. This is especially useful for caregivers trying to keep up with shifting tactics or new schemes that may not be widely known.
Informing Users of Health Fraud News
However, the app is not simply a logging tool and it is also highly educational. It has multiple resources that teach the user about common fraud tactics in plain language and provides scam alerts for when new ones are discovered. To support ongoing learning, the app has a built-in minigame called SMP Fraud Busters which is a short and interactive experience that transforms reading the fraud news and taking precautions into a game. The game’s content, such as quizzes and news articles, is powered by the WordPress API data meaning that new fraud-related material can be added remotely without needing to modify the app itself. The inclusion of a game can make it easier for users to absorb information while also not feeling like they are just reading a wall of text on a website. This makes the app much more engaging and makes it more likely that users will actually retain the information that they learned.
It is worth noting that although the app itself was not built on the AppPresser framework, the SMP organization has worked with AppPresser on other digital infrastructure projects. This includes their main website, a secure staff-only portal, and an internal document resource library that supports broader program operations.
In a space where fraud prevention tools are often too technical or out of reach for everyday users, the SMP Medicare Tracker app aims to solve this issue and offer something different. A clean, focused, and genuinely helpful mobile experience that is straightforward and easy to understand. It empowers Medicare beneficiaries and those helping them to stay informed, organize, and stay protected.
Check Out the Game Below!
About SMP and Their Mission
The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program is a nationwide initiative designed to protect Medicare beneficiaries from fraud, billing errors, and abuse. This is accomplished through a combination of outreach, one-on-one counseling, and educational resources which all empower older adults to take control of their healthcare information and report suspicious activity.
This mobile app was developed as part of that ongoing mission and is fully supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL) under a financial assistance award totaling over a million dollars. The content and functionality of the app reflect SMP’s commitment to making fraud prevention tools more accessible, and more specifically for senior citizens and caregivers who may not be as comfortable navigating traditional systems.
