Seniors advised to avoid Medicare check scams

We consider it our responsibility to protect those clients we serve.  Here is some important information we recently learned regarding a new scam targeting seniors.


Health agencies are continuing to warn seniors to be aware of potential scams involving the $250 Medicare prescription drug rebate checks.



Seniors on Medicare don’t have to do anything to receive their $250 rebate check for hitting the Medicare part D coverage gap. Several state attorneys general have warned the public about a series of scams related to the rebates, the first wave of which were mailed earlier this summer.



According to Consumer Reports.org, scammers reportedly are trying to convince recipients that the rebate checks must be transferred to a third party or used to cover specific drug payments. Others are telling recipients they must provide personal information or pay a third party for the rebate. Medicare officials warn against giving out personal information.



“Don’t give your personal information to anyone who calls you about the $250 rebate check,” the Medicare brochure “Closing the Prescription Drug Coverage Gap” advises.



The one-time rebate checks are the first step in fixing the coverage gap in Medicare part D prescription drug coverage. Currently, Medicare beneficiaries whose prescription drug costs reach $2,830 must pay 100 percent of their additional costs until total out-of-pocket expenses reach $4,550.



Suspicious calls related to rebate checks can be reported to Medicare at 1-800-633-4227.