Dear Savvy Senior I was a victim of identity theft several years ago and have some real concerns about this new Medicare drug benefit I’ve been bombarded with over the last month. Are all these companies who are mailing packets and calling me legitimate? How can I know who to trust? Suspicious Charlie
Dear Charlie, With all the mailings, choices and confusion surrounding Medicare’s new (Part D) prescription drug benefit, the last thing you need to worry about is getting ripped off, but it can happen if you’re not careful. Here’s what you should know.
Fraud Alert The best way to spot a Part D scam is to know what the Medicare approved private companies can and cannot do. Here are some rules and tips that can help you protect yourself:
Enrollment: No one can sign up for any Medicare prescription drug plan until Tues., Nov. 15, 2005. If anyone tries to get you to sign up for a plan before that date, it’s a scam.
Seal of approval: Part D plans from private companies will have a Medicare-Approved seal on their materials. If they don’t have it, they’re not legit.
Door-to-door: Private insurance companies are not allowed to come to your home uninvited to sell you a Part D plan. If they do, it’s a scam.
Telemarketing: Private companies can call you about their plan (unless you’re registered with the National Do Not Call Registry), but they can’t enroll you over the telephone unless you call them. To opt out of phone solicitation visit www.donotcall.gov or call 888-382-1222.
Payment: Private companies cannot ask for payment over the telephone or via their Web site. If you enroll over the phone or Web they must send you a bill.
Free enrollment: Signing up for Part D is free. You never have to pay for a form, or to get help filling it out.
Voluntary: Remember that Part D is voluntary. You don’t have to sign up. And if you choose not to sign up, you won’t lose your other benefits from Medicare (Parts A and B). If anyone tries to tell you otherwise, they’re wrong.
Extra help: If you’re eligible for extra help in paying for your prescription drugs (your annual income must be less than $14,355 as a single or $19,245 as a married couple), you should apply but can do so only through Social Security (www.socialsecurity.gov 800-772-1213). If anyone else tries to sign you up for extra help, it’s a scam. Savvy Tip: Never give out your Social Security number or financial information over the telephone, in person or over the Internet unless you initiated the contact.. Who to Trust To be sure you’re getting trustworthy help in choosing a Part D plan here are three reliable resources that can assist you:
Medicare: If you have questions, need help verifying or comparing plans or want to enroll (beginning Nov. 15) visit www.medicare.gov or call 800-633-4227.
SHIP: Your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program offers free Medicare Part D counseling and can help you choose a plan and enroll either in person or over the telephone. To find your nearest office visit www.shiptalk.org or call Medicare.
Area Aging Agency: Medicare has been working with senior centers and other local organizations to provide Part D education and assistance in your community. To find help, contact your local aging agency. Call 800-677-1116 to get your local number.
Reporting Fraud If you spot a scam, or think you may have been taken advantage of, report it as soon as possible to:
Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE.
Fraud Hotline (800-447-8477) of the Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General.
Federal Trade Commission’s ID Theft hotline at 877-438-4338. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit www.savvysenior.org. Jim Miller is a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.
