Seniors Warned About Medicare Card Scams
Government-Issued Cards Not Available Until May
POSTED: 9:40 a.m. EST March 19, 2004
WASHINGTON -- Seniors who face rising drug costs may have another problem -- people trying to scam them with false Medicare discount cards.
The issue is rising as the federal government prepares to launch its much-awaited Medicare drug discount. Starting in May, qualifying seniors can buy a card giving them 10 to 25 percent
discounts on drugs.
The cards aren't out yet, but con artists are.
Eleven states are reporting cases where someone calls or knocks on doors at seniors' homes, saying they are enrolling people in the new program.
The person behind the scam then asks for personal information, like Social Security, credit card or banking numbers.
So how can people make sure they're not being had? For one, the real Medicare program will enroll people only by mail. The cards will cost $30 a year.
The AARP warns seniors to beware of anyone trying to sell Medicare prescription drug discount cards before May. The official cards won't be available until then, and they will carry a "Medicare Rx approved" logo.
"Never give your Medicare, Medicaid or Social Security number out to anyone you don't know, especially over the phone or to a stranger at your door," said Cindy Kadavy, of the Nebraska State Unit on Aging. "This number is as important as your credit card number and should be protected in a similar manner."
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- November 25, 2003: Drug Bill May Be Booster Shot For Bush Campaign
Distributed by Internet Broadcasting Systems, Inc. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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