As the first rebate checks go out to help those affected by the Medicare prescription drug coverage “doughnut hole,” recipients are being told to be on guard against scammers.
Several state attorneys general have warned about a series of scams related to the tax-free, $250 rebate checks, the first wave which have recently been mailed.
Medicare beneficiaries affected by the gap in prescription coverage and not participating in the Medicare “Extra Help” program will receive the checks automatically within about 45 days of becoming eligible. They do not have to sign up or give any additional information to get the checks.
Reportedly, scammers 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 that they must provide personal information or pay a third party to qualify for the rebate. However, Medicare officials warn againts giving your personal information.
“Don’t give your personal information to anyone who calls you about the $250 rebate check,” advises the government Medicare brochure “Closing the Prescription Drug Coverage Gap."
If you receive a suspicious call in connection with your rebate check, report it by calling Medicare at 1-800-633-4227. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.
The one-time rebate checks were mandated under the Affordable Care Act recently passed by Congress and signed by President Obama. They 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.
As the benefits of health care reform are phased in, they will continue to reduce the effect of the coverage gap on Part D recipients. The Medicare Rights Center at http://www.medicarerights.org/ has consumer-friendly information on this year’s rebate and the schedule for the eventual phase-out.—Anthony Giorgianni
Note: To read .pdf documents, you must have a .pdf reader installed on your computer. If one isn’t installed already, you can download one for free.—A.G.
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