The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Resource Center funding opportunity, issued by the Administration for Community Living (ACL) under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), aims to support a cooperative agreement for a national resource center dedicated to assisting and empowering Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers. The program’s mission is to prevent, detect, and report healthcare fraud, errors, and abuse through outreach, counseling, and education. By fostering increased awareness and understanding of healthcare programs, the SMP initiative seeks to protect beneficiaries from financial and health-related consequences associated with Medicare fraud. Currently, ACL funds 54 state-based SMP projects across all U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam.

The primary objective of this funding opportunity is to establish and maintain the Senior Medicare Patrol Resource Center (SMPRC). The center will serve as a national hub, offering training, technical assistance, and promotional activities to support the efforts of SMP programs nationwide. The resource center will play a critical role in ensuring consistency and effectiveness in program implementation across different regions by providing essential tools, resources, and guidance.

The anticipated total program funding for this opportunity is $1,000,000, with an award ceiling of $1,000,000 and an award floor of $850,000. Only one award is expected to be granted under this opportunity. Funding will be provided through a cooperative agreement, which indicates substantial involvement from ACL in project activities and oversight. The project start date is anticipated to be September 1, 2025, with the estimated application due date set for May 31, 2025.

Eligibility for this grant is broadly defined as "unrestricted," meaning that domestic public or private, non-profit or for-profit organizations are eligible to apply. This includes state, local, and tribal governments, institutions of higher education, community-based organizations, hospitals, and faith-based organizations. However, foreign entities are not eligible to compete for or receive awards under this announcement.

Applicants are expected to demonstrate the capacity to operate a national resource center effectively, including experience in training, technical assistance, and outreach activities. Proposals should address how the applicant plans to support the 54 SMP projects, enhance program effectiveness, and contribute to the prevention of Medicare fraud. Detailed application requirements and evaluation criteria will be outlined in the full funding announcement once published.

The grant forecast indicates that the official funding opportunity announcement is expected to be posted on March 20, 2025. Applications will be due by May 31, 2025, and awards are anticipated to be announced by September 1, 2025. Additional details and updates can be found on the ACL grants webpage at [https://acl.gov/grants/open-opportunities](https://acl.gov/grants/open-opportunities). Interested applicants may also contact Marissa Whitehouse at 202-795-7425 for further information.