HI HB1487

Appropriates general revenue funds for fiscal years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 to create three new full-time positions in the Executive Office on Aging's Senior Medicare Patrol Program: one Program Specialist III, one Program Specialist IV, and one Program Specialist V.

Establishes that the Senior Medicare Patrol Program, operational since 1997 with only two full-time staff positions, requires additional personnel to address rising cases of fraud, medical billing errors, and abuse targeting seniors.

Identifies that Medicare loses over $70 billion annually to fraudulent claims, and notes the program addresses various scams including gift card schemes, romance scams, caregiver fraud, imposter scams, and ransomware targeting kupuna (elders).

Directs the Executive Office on Aging to expend appropriated funds for the three new positions to expand the program's reach and allow collaboration with other public and private service providers.