Ramsey, Benson, Nelson Veterans Service Office

05/01/2026

ND SMP Scam of the Month – May 2026

How to Spot Medicare Scams

For older Americans, fraud can feel like a threat that is everywhere and hard to escape. Medicare scammers often use phone calls to find people, but they may also contact them by email, text messages, or mail. Another type of scam to watch for are artificial intelligence (AI) scams. AI scams are increasing, and right now they can be very hard to spot. Medicare scams can happen to anyone!
Warning signs of a Medicare scam:

• Promises of free services or supplies. Be careful of offers saying something is free.
• Pressure to change your Medicare plan. Someone may call and say you are “pre-approved” for a new plan.
• Notice of a new Medicare card. A scammer may call and say you need to activate, renew, or update your card.
• Threats to cancel your coverage. You may get a call saying there is a problem with your Medicare account, and they need to cancel your plan.
• Claims that you can get a refund. A scammer may say you can get money back. They may ask for your Medicare number, and even bank account information.

Protect yourself from Medicare scams:

• Only share your Medicare number or Social Security number with your doctor, pharmacy, or trusted Medicare helpers.
• Do not be afraid of threats to cancel your benefits, and do not talk to anyone who tries to pressure you to pick a certain plan.
• Do not reply to emails or text messages you weren’t expecting, and do not click on any links in them—even if they look real.
• Do not talk to anyone who says they are from Medicare and tries to make you pick a certain plan. Medicare does not recommend any one plan.
• Do not accept genetic testing kits you didn’t ask for. If your doctor didn’t order it, refuse it or send it back.

Reporting Medicare fraud:
If you suspect fraud, contact the ND SMP at [email protected] or call 833-818-0029 or 701-858-3580. For non-Medicare fraud issues, contact the ND Attorney General’s Office at 800-472-2600.
The information provided is intended to be a general summary only. Source of information: National Council on Aging (NCOA). (2025, February 24). 5 warning signs of a Medicare scam—and how to protect yourself. Medicare.

North Dakota Senior Medicare Patrol Phone: 833-818-0029 or (701) 858-3580

For more information or to locate your SMP, visit https://ndcpd.org/smp/

This project was supported, in part, by grant number 90MPPG0079, from the Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services. The contents are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

Like us on Facebook: North Dakota Senior Medicare Patrol

Project Staff Linda Madsen, Project Director Brenda Munson, Coordinator of Volunteers Kale McHenry, Project Coordinator Videos North Dakota Senior Medicare Patrol (ND SMP) Scam artists continue to try and steal your Medicare number Protect yourself against Medicare Fraud North Dakota Senior Medic....

05/01/2026

Not sure if you have heard of this program regarding Campsites for Veterans

https://www.militarycampgrounds.us/

I saw this on page 2 and other eligibility criteria

The Purple Heart and Disabled Veterans Equal Access Act of 2018 became law in August 2018 and took effect on January 1st, 2020. This bill does now allow the following veterans use of commissary and exchange stores, and MWR facilities (includes campgrounds):
• Veterans Awarded the Purple Heart
• Veterans Who Are Medal of Honor Recipients (already authorized)
• Veterans Who Are Former Prisoners of War
• Veterans With Service-Connected Disabilities (0-100%)
• Caregivers of Veterans
• NOT "Anyone with a DD-214"!

Information, maps, directions, prices, photos, and reviews of U.S. Military Campgrounds and RV Parks.

04/06/2026

03/16/2026

Do you know, there is a program to help low-income individuals get a discount on phone and internet service?

If you are receiving NSC Pension, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and other Federal Assistance programs, as well as households with income of 135 percent or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines are eligible.

You can get a monthly discount of up to $9.25.

If you live on Tribal lands, the discount is up to $34.25/month.

Go to: Universal Service Administrative Company to apply.

Apply now to confirm you qualify for the Lifeline program. You may be eligible to get Lifeline based on your income or participation in a government assistance program. Learn more about qualifying

03/10/2026

For veterans or service members with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the VA rates sleep apnea at 50% if a breathing assistance device is required under 38 CFR 4.97, DC 6847. Traditionally, most people think of CPAP machines, but the list in the M21-1 Manual includes other devices as well, meaning you don’t have to be limited to CPAP to qualify for the 50% rating.

Other qualifying devices include:

Other positive airway pressure machines: APAP, BiPAP, NIPPV, NIV

Nasopharyngeal appliances: nasal dilators, stents

Oral appliances: mandibular advancement devices (MAD), tongue-retaining mouthpieces

Implanted genioglossal nerve stimulation devices (like the Inspire device)

This means that a veteran who had an Inspire implant instead of CPAP due to intolerance should still qualify for the 50% rating, since the device counts as a medically necessary breathing assistance device.

(TRICARE covering it for active duty AGR soldiers is also important—it demonstrates the VA would likely recognize the medical necessity if claimed, even if CPAP was not used).

02/26/2026