Standard Motor Products Supports Massachusetts Conference on Medicare Fraud Prevention and Access
- The Massachusetts SMP Program's conference focuses on Medicare fraud prevention and consumer protection for beneficiaries.
- Keynote speaker Dr. Julita Mir emphasizes consumer-centric primary care and value-based care models in healthcare.
- The event promotes equitable access to primary care, addressing barriers faced by underserved populations in Massachusetts.
Transforming Primary Care: Massachusetts Conference Focuses on Fraud Prevention and Access
The Massachusetts Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Program is gearing up for its 11th Statewide Conference, titled "Primary Care at a Crossroads: Care and Cost," scheduled for May 6, 2025. This conference, hosted at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel & Trade Center in Marlborough, aims to educate attendees on the critical issues surrounding Medicare fraud prevention and consumer protection. With a focus on equipping participants with the knowledge to recognize and respond to healthcare scams, the event underscores the growing need for vigilance and proactive measures among Medicare beneficiaries.
Keynote speaker Dr. Julita Mir brings over 20 years of experience in primary care and infectious diseases, primarily within Boston’s federally qualified health centers. Her insights are expected to shed light on the importance of consumer-centric primary care and the implementation of value-based care models. This focus on patient-centered approaches is particularly relevant in a healthcare landscape increasingly characterized by cost pressures and access challenges. The conference includes various workshops aimed at empowering attendees to detect healthcare fraud, navigate the complexities of Medicare benefits, and address disparities in patient care—an essential component in promoting health equity across diverse populations.
In addition to educational sessions, the conference features a panel discussion that will tackle the pressing issues of equitable access to primary care in Massachusetts. Experts from the Primary Care Access, Delivery, and Payment Task Force will provide valuable perspectives on the barriers faced by underserved populations and the innovative solutions that can facilitate better access to healthcare. Lucilia Prates, the state director of the MA SMP Program, emphasizes the need for innovative thinking and active consumer engagement to reshape the future of primary care. This initiative not only aims to safeguard beneficiaries against fraud but also seeks to foster a more equitable healthcare system that prioritizes access and quality of care for all.
The Massachusetts SMP conference is part of a broader national initiative aimed at empowering Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, as well as their families and caregivers, to recognize and report instances of healthcare fraud and abuse. Registration is free, but interested participants must secure their spots by visiting the SMP website, with accommodations available upon request. This event highlights the critical intersection of healthcare education, consumer protection, and equitable access, ensuring that all voices are heard in the ongoing dialogue about the future of primary care.