We are pleased to present the forecasted funding opportunity from the Administration for Community Living (ACL) under the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program. Pennsylvania stands to receive support to implement a state SMP project focused on preventing Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse through local outreach, education, and beneficiary assistance. This summary consolidates all available details for prospective applicants and outlines key expectations for the cooperative agreement anticipated to fund the Pennsylvania SMP initiative.

Opportunity Overview

The opportunity title identifies a dedicated Senior Medicare Patrol State Project Grants effort for Pennsylvania. This forecasted grant operates under a discretionary funding framework and uses a cooperative agreement as its funding instrument. The overarching aim aligns with the SMP mission to empower Medicare beneficiaries, families, and caregivers to prevent, detect, and report fraud, errors, and abuse, thereby safeguarding Medicare programs and beneficiaries.

Funding, Schedule, and Award Details

Funding and timeline details clarify the scale of investment, the anticipated duration, and key milestone dates. The forecast indicates a single cooperative agreement to support the Pennsylvania SMP project, reflecting a focused approach to state-level implementation and oversight. Applicants should plan for a grant period that aligns with ACL expectations and project start in early 2026, with final archival in 2027.

• Total Program Funding: $1,100,000

• Award Ceiling: $1,100,000

Eligibility and Applicant Scope

Eligibility encompasses a broad mix of organizations capable of delivering local outreach, education, and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries. Foreign entities are explicitly ineligible to compete or receive awards under this announcement, while faith-based and community organizations meeting eligibility criteria remain eligible to participate. The opportunity invites a wide range of entities to apply, provided they meet the stated requirements.

• Eligible Applicants include:

  • Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education

  • For-profit organizations other than small businesses

  • Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)

  • Unrestricted entities, subject to eligibility notes

  • Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (except institutions of higher education)

  • State governments

  • Special district governments

  • Private institutions of higher education

  • City or township governments

  • Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized)

  • Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education)

  • County governments

• Additional Eligibility Information: Foreign entities are not eligible to compete or receive awards. Faith-based and community organizations that meet eligibility requirements are eligible to receive awards under this opportunity.

Program Context, Mission, and Administration

ACL’s SMP program seeks to empower Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to prevent Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse. The SMP initiative accomplishes this through outreach, counseling, and education aimed at increasing understanding of health care programs and protecting beneficiaries’ interests. Current SMP funding supports 54 state projects across all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. SMP activities rely on a trained workforce, including volunteers, to deliver local services and foster awareness through media, campaigns, and community events.

Key program characteristics include teaching beneficiaries to safeguard Medicare numbers, detect billing discrepancies on statements, and report suspicious activity for investigation. SMP projects provide in-depth counseling and assistance to beneficiaries presenting questions or issues related to Medicare, fraud, errors, or abuse. Through this funding opportunity, ACL intends to award up to one cooperative agreement to support the SMP project in Pennsylvania, reinforcing a targeted, locally driven approach to fraud prevention and beneficiary support.

• Program Role: Administers SMP across states and territories; coordinates outreach, education, and assistance services

• Current Reach: 54 SMP state projects nationwide (including all 50 states, DC, Puerto Rico, Guam, USVI)

• Activities Emphasized: Outreach campaigns, media dissemination, community events, and direct beneficiary counseling

• Expected Outcomes: Increased awareness of Medicare fraud risks, enhanced beneficiary protections, and improved reporting and resolution of suspected fraud and errors

• Anticipated Award: Up to 1 cooperative agreement dedicated to Pennsylvania SMP project

Application Process, Contacts, and Next Steps

Prospective applicants should align proposals with SMP objectives and the anticipated Pennsylvania focus, ensuring compliance with eligibility and funding guidelines. Although the forecast provides dates for post, due, and award timing, applicants should monitor the ACL grants portal for final announcements and instructions. For questions or clarifications, contact the designated grantor representative listed below.

• Grantor Contact: Rebecca Kinney

• Phone: 202-795-7375

• Note: Email contact is indicated as government email in the source; no email address is provided here to preserve privacy and accuracy.

Implementation focus centers on Pennsylvania’s SMP state project, with a strong emphasis on local engagement, beneficiary education, fraud reporting mechanisms, and accessible counseling services. Prospective grantees should prepare to mobilize a coordinated effort that leverages trained personnel, volunteers, and partnerships with local communities to maximize reach and impact. The program’s emphasis on prevention, detection, and reporting supports a robust framework for safeguarding Medicare beneficiaries and the integrity of Medicare programs.