Protecting the Elderly

​​ ​​To protect our elders in the state of Wisconsin Wisc. § 100.264, provides additional punishment for those that try to take advantage of the elderly or disabled. Elders are a major target for scams; for example, some scammers will call claiming to be a relative in need of money to get out of a situation. Although difficult, asking key questions and getting more information can ensure that you are not falling victim to ​“grandparent scams.”

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Medicaid provider fraud investigations and patient abuse and neglect investigations across the State of Wisconsin are conducted by attorneys and staff at the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ). Attorneys and staff at DOJ work cooperatively with district attorneys, county sheriffs, and other law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute criminal violations of:

  • Medicaid provider fraud;Wis. Stat. § 946.91
  • abuse, neglect, and financial misappropriation from patients or residents residing in Medicaid funded facilities;Wis. Stat. §§ 940.285Wis. Stat. §§ 940.295
  • violations of criminal laws affecting the Medicaid program, including laws relating to fraud and the health, safety, and welfare ​of Medicaid recipients; and
  • abuse and neglect of residents in board and care facilities such as nursing homes, community based residential facilities, and adult family homes.

Medicaid fraud harms the intended recipient financially and personally, and it can occur when a person’s identity is stolen. With this information, they can fraudulently claim goods and services. To prevent Medicaid fraud from being perpetrated against you, carefully monitor your medical or billing records to make sure they are correct. If you notice a discrepancy, contact your medical provider.

Attorney General Kaul requests the assistance of all Wisconsin citizens in fighting health care fraud and patient abuse. Please use the statewide hotline number at 1-800-488-3780 to report Medicaid fraud or elder abuse.

On August 1, 2014, Wisconsin’s Silver Alert law took effect and is an important step in protecting those with Alzheimer’s, dementia or other permanent cognitive impairment who may go missing. Silver Alerts are disseminated via email, text message, or fax using the Wisconsin Crime Alert Network (WCAN). In partnership with the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association, Outdoor Advertising Association of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue – Division of Lottery. Silver Alerts may be broadcast through Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), digital billboards, Department of Transportation’s Dynamic Messaging Boards, and lottery display terminals. Silver Alerts do not utilize the Emergency Alert System (EAS). The Silver Alert legislation requires law enforcement to issue a Silver Alert when the following criteria are met:

  1. The missing person is 60 years of age or older.
  2. The missing person is believed to have Alzheimer's, Dementia, or another permanent cognitive impairment which poses a threat to their health and safety.
  3. There is reasonable belief that the missing person’s disappearance is due to their impaired cognitive condition.
  4. The Silver Alert request is made within 72 hours of the individual’s disappearance.
  5. There is sufficient information available to disseminate to the public that could assist in locating the missing person.
  6. The missing person has been entered into NCIC.

Anyone can sign up to receive Silver Alerts at https://wisconsincrimealert.widoj.gov at no cost.



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