"TSCL is beginning to receive inquiries about the legitimacy of material claiming to be from Medicare,"[2] Smith says. "Medicare prescription drug plans are teaming up with chains like Wal-Mart and Walgreens to push their plans.[3] Due to the confusing nature of the program, we believe that seniors could make decisions that may not be in their best interest," he says. "Plans may vary their coverage and costs," Smith explains. "If a plan does not cover a prescription, seniors will have to pay 100% of the cost out-of-pocket," he explains. "Seniors should take some time to shop around," he advises. "In addition, attend informational meetings in your area. We strongly recommend individual counseling from an independent, impartial source, like your local senior services or Area Agency on Aging," Smith adds.

In addition to the potential for marketing abuse, police departments, state insurance commissioners and other seniors advocates are urging seniors to be wary of scams. Some report that seniors are getting phone calls from persons purporting to be insurance agents wishing to set up appointments in seniors' homes to pitch their product.[4] Local officials are asking the public to report any suspicious activity.

"Incredibly, Medicare rules allow telemarketing calls,"[5] Smith says. "TSCL believes this leaves Medicare beneficiaries wide open to con artists. The drug benefit is simply too complex to be sold in this manner," he states emphatically. "Seniors should never give out their Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers, especially to strangers who call. In fact, TSCL advises seniors to play it safe. Tell telemarketers 'Do Not Call' and then hang up immediately," he adds.

TSCL is meeting with Members of Congress and working to build support to simplify the complicated new benefit. "Seniors should not require police protection to safely access their Medicare benefits," Smith declares. "Any benefit that's too complicated to be understood and easily used is no benefit, " he adds. "We urge seniors to join us in demanding that Congress fulfill their promise to provide a meaningful Medicare drug benefit by enacting measures that make the new benefit easy to understand and use."

Medicare beneficiaries who have a problem, or want to get information about their drug plan options from an independent, impartial source, can call 1-800-MEDICARE, or seek help through their local senior services, or Area Agency on Aging, to get personalized information about which drug plan may be best for them. To prevent unsolicited marketing calls, go to www.donotcall.gov.

TSCL is a national group of politically active seniors concerned about the protection of their earned Social Security, Medicare, and other retirement benefits. TSCL members participate in a number of grassroots lobbying and public education campaigns designed to ensure governmental bodies, including the Social Security Administration and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, live up to their commitments.

For more free information on our organization, please contact TREA Senior Citizens League, Department S608W, 909 N. Washington St., Suite 300, Alexandria, VA 22314, or visit our website at: www.tscl.org.
[1] "CMS Issues Marketing Rules for all Plans Offering Medicare Drug Coverage," CMS, August 15, 2005.
[2] From Email comments dated 7/30/05.
[3] "Jumping the Gun on Medicare," The Chicago Tribune," August 1, 2005.
[4] "State Agency Issues Warning on Medicare Marketing Effort," The Pilot, July 29, 2005.
[5] "CMS Issues Marketing Rules for all Plans Offering Medicare Drug Coverage," CMS, August 15, 2005.
Distributed by The Senior Exchange, Inc.
Serving The Mature American With Timely, Low-Cost, Self-Help Information

September 2005