National Report Medicare Fraud Day

National Report Medicare Fraud Day is observed on September 12 each year. It’s a day meant to raise awareness about the widespread impact of Medicare fraud—and encourage individuals to take action in reporting suspected abuse.

History of National Report Medicare Fraud Day

National Report Medicare Fraud Day was established in 2017 by The Hesch Firm, LLC. Its purpose is to educate Americans on the types of Medicare fraud and empower whistleblowers to follow proper protocols—particularly to ensure investigations happen and potentially receive rewards for their vigilance.

Why is National Report Medicare Fraud Day important?

This day matters because Medicare fraud isn’t just a distant issue—it costs us all. An estimated 10% of Medicare funds, amounting to roughly $65 billion annually, are lost to fraud, waste, and abuse. That’s money that could instead support legitimate healthcare services for millions.

Beyond the financial toll, Medicare fraud can directly harm individuals—improper billing, identity theft, and unnecessary or harmful medical procedures. National Report Medicare Fraud Day serves as a reminder that everyone has a part to play—whether as beneficiaries, caregivers, or simply informed citizens—in protecting system integrity and patient safety.

How to Observe National Report Medicare Fraud Day

Here are compassionate, impactful ways to observe this day:

• Stay informed by reviewing your Medicare statements carefully. Always compare services billed to those you actually received.
• Learn how to report fraud: you can call 1‑800‑MEDICARE to file a suspicion directly, or go through the DOJ Whistleblower Reward Program, which may offer 15%–25% of recovered funds alongside a guarantee of investigation and updates.
• Share knowledge with friends, family, or community groups—especially those most vulnerable—to empower them with how to spot and report fraud.
• Support educating organizations, like Senior Medicare Patrols (SMP), which help seniors and their communities detect and report fraud, having recovered millions of dollars through awareness efforts.

Medicare fraud and abuse can happen anywhere, and it’s important to stay alert. Always protect your Medicare card and number, and review your Medicare statements to make sure the dates and services match what you actually received.

Common signs of fraud include charges for services you didn’t get, billing for more expensive services than you received, or people using your personal information without permission.

To protect yourself:

• Compare your medical calendar with Medicare statements for accuracy.
• Be cautious—Medicare will never call to sell you anything.
• Keep your Medicare card and personal details private.
• Report suspicious activity right away.

If you suspect fraud, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or report it online. For Medicare Advantage or drug plans, call 1-877-7SAFERX (1-877-772-3379). ¹

Medical identity theft is also a risk—always check your receipts, don’t give out your card to unauthorized people, and never accept gifts in exchange for medical services.

National Report Medicare Fraud Day Dates Table

1. https://www.medicare.gov/basics/reporting-medicare-fraud-and-abuse[↩]