> SOUTHERN INDIANA —
Federal officials are warning against Medicare scams, as the government began mailing $250 checks Thursday to aid seniors with prescription drug costs.
Seniors who fall into the Medicare Part D “doughnut hole” qualify for a $250 disbursement through the recently passed health care reform bill.
Seniors on Medicare that have spent more than $940 in 2010 for out-of-pocket prescription drug expenses will receive a check.
“It’s a symbolic and real gesture that helps with drug costs,” Cheryl Matheis, AARP senior vice president of health strategy, told the Associated Press.
The health reform legislation is supposed to close the “doughnut hole” entirely over time according to Rep. Baron Hill, D-Ind.
“Having to pay full price for prescription drugs is a huge financial burden for our seniors,” Hill said. “I am pleased those Hoosier seniors who have unfortunately fallen into the ‘doughnut hole’ will soon get some immediate relief.”
But with new programs come new opportunities for scams, as the Department of Health and Human Services, the Administration on Aging and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services are combining efforts to alert seniors of possible fraud.
“I would ask applicable seniors to keep an eye out for their checks, while also keeping in mind that scam artists around the country have been preying on seniors expecting the checks,” Hill said.
The following is a list provided by Hill of some scams that have been reported so far. Anyone that experiences a similar incident is asked to call 800-MEDICARE to report it.
SCAM: In Utah, there have been reports of phone calls to seniors regarding “new Medicare cards,” and seniors are told that they need the new card as a result of the new Affordable Care Act.
FACT: Seniors are not required to do anything to receive any of the benefits of the Affordable Care Act. Seniors won’t be issued new Medicare cards and do not need to register with anyone to receive the $250 rebate check. The check will be mailed directly to each senior at their home after they hit the prescription drug coverage gap known as the “doughnut hole.”
SCAM: In Wyoming, there have been reports of a fraudulent caller claiming to be from Medicare and wanting to confirm a senior’s Medicare number.
FACT: No senior should ever give his or her Medicare number to any caller. All seniors should treat Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security numbers like a credit card number, and should never give these out to a stranger. If someone claims to be with Medicare and asks for your information, ask for their name and report it to 800-MEDICARE.
SCAM: In Kansas, a creative insurance salesman has mailed a release form to his policy holders that authorized him to make medical decisions for them.
FACT: Seniors should never sign a form without understanding its contents or knowing its source. Always read and keep a copy of any document or agreement that asks for a signature. Contact a trusted source or your local State Health Insurance Program representative to help you verify the validity of these types of offers. A directory of your local SHIP number can be found in your Medicare & You Handbook.
SCAM: In Michigan, there have been reports of seniors being approached by insurance agents claiming that the recent legislation requires seniors to make changes to their health care benefits, including Part D plans.
FACT: No senior is required to make any changes to their Medicare plans. Seniors can make changes to their plans during the Open Enrollment period, which takes place every year from November to the end of December. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services offers seniors various tools through its www.medicare.gov web site to compare health plans and drug costs under those and other plans. Seniors should be leery of anyone approaching them and encouraging them to switch plans.
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Rep. Baron Hill
Discussion
New Medicare scams reported
Checks going to ‘doughnut hole’ patients to help with drug costs
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