Senator Rubén Díaz Warns Seniors About Medicare Rebate Scam

PRESS RELEASE
July 9, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Senator Rubén Díaz Warns Seniors About Medicare Rebate Scam

Bronx, NY - State Senator Rubén Díaz, Sr., Chairperson of the New York State Senate Committee on Aging today urged senior citizens to be aware about a potential Medicare Part D Rebate scam.

“I want to urge seniors throughout New York State to never, under any circumstances provide personal information - Social Security number, checking account number, or Medicaid number - to anyone over the phone,” stated Senator Díaz.

Senior citizens in some situations have received phone calls informing them that if they pay an up-front fee, they will receive their $250 rebate more quickly.  This rebate is part of the Health Care Reform legislation signed by President Obama and the first batch of rebate checks have already been mailed.  So far the scam has not been reported in New York State.

“The request of a fee in order to receive money more quickly, especially money from the Federal Government, is not legal, please do not pay it.  I want to urge seniors to remember the phrase ‘if it’s too good to be true, it usually is’,” continued Senator Díaz. 

“The New York State Office for the Aging is available to assist any senior who has a question about either the Medicare Part D rebate at 1-800-701-0501 (Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program) or the rebate scam at 1-800-342-9871 (New York State Office for the Aging Senior Citizens’ Helpline),” concluded Senator Díaz.

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