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News Coverage
The Desert Sun
Identifying card fraud
by Darrell Smith
Jun 02, 2004
Medicare consumers should be aware of some common types of fraud "Seniors should read the fine the print of drug discount card contracts and watch for fraud and identity theft," said Jerry Flanagan of the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights (FTCR).
Some common frauds:
Bait and switch: Drug prices, availability and program enrollment fees are not guaranteed. As a result, prices and drug availability can change every month while enrollees have to commit to enroll for a year.
Under the federal law, drug card sponsors are allowed to change the price of covered drugs if there is a change in the drug card sponsor's costs, such as changes in the discounts, rebates or other price concessions received from a drug maker or pharmacy.
Not all cards are Medicare-approved: Illegitimate drug card companies are trying to take advantage of the Medicare prescription drug card program by selling unapproved cards that provide even fewer protections.
Seniors should beware of unsolicited phone calls or in-person visits from drug care salespeople. Medicare does not allow legitimate drug cards to be marketed through unsolicited calls and visits. Authentic discount cards will be stamped with a federal government seal.
Beware of identity theft: Identity thieves are using the new drug discount card program as an enticement to get personal financial information from seniors in order to commit credit card fraud.
Never share personal information such as your bank account number, Social Security number, health insurance card number (or Medicare number) with any individual who calls or comes to the door claiming to sell any Medicare related product.
To compare details of different cards and determine eligibility for the
$600-a-year credit, call (800) 633-4227.
To receive help from a counselor on choosing the best card for your needs, call Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders at (800) 963-5337.
To order a free booklet from AARP explaining the drug card, call (800) 633-4227.
To receive help from a counselor on choosing the best card for your needs, call Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders at (800) 963-5337.
To order a free booklet from AARP explaining the drug card plan, call (888) 687-2277.
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