WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From Westchester County Department of Health. April 27, 2004: County Executive Andy Spano announced today that the county’s Department of Senior Programs and Services has set up a phone line to deal specifically with questions seniors may have about the new discount drug cards that will be available over the next few weeks. The telephone number for help is 813-6300. The service is being started because seniors are being solicited by marketers claiming to sell Medicare-approved discount cards. Spano warned seniors to be wary of any such calls they receive.
“Many seniors are understandably confused about the new program, unsure whether they should sign up for one of the cards that has been approved by Medicare, or whether Westchester County’s own discount drug card, WestchesterRx might be better,” Spano said. “There is no one right answer. It depends on the individual. That’s why Senior Programs and Services will provide personalized help.”
The Medicare-approved cards will be available in June, but seniors have already been solicited by some marketers claiming to be selling Medicare-approved discount cards. Spano warned seniors to be wary of any calls they receive.
“Con artists are using this as an opportunity to swindle people,” he said. “It may be that they will take your money and give you nothing – or take your personal information, including credit card number, and use it for their own benefit. Seniors are best advised to NEVER give out any information on the telephone to someone who calls them.”
Said Commissioner of Senior Programs Mae Carpenter, “Seniors should carefully review the prescription discount card options before making their selection. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, if you are unsure. It’s best to be well informed and know your options.”
Here are some additional tips offered by the county:
- Beware of telephone calls and door-to-door solicitations. Medicare and the companies authorized to sell Medicare-approved cards will not conduct door to-door or telephone solicitations
- Do not give your Social Security number, date of birth or bank account information over the phone, unless it was you who called the Medicare hotline or called WestchesterRx.
- Do not buy unauthorized Medicare prescription discount cards. The authorized Medicare discount card should not cost more than $30.
- Medicaid beneficiaries are not eligible for the Medicare discount cards.
- There is no penalty for late enrollment.
For more information about approved prescription drug discount cards, contact:
- Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE or visit www.medicare.gov
- The Medicare FRAUD Hotline at 1-800-447-8477
- The Department of Senior Programs and Services at 813-6300 or visit www.westchestergov.com/aging
