Medicare Checks Arriving

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Jun 14th, 2010

Medicare Checks Arriving; KY Seniors Warned of Scams

Public News Service-KY

Checks for $250 are going out starting this month to some Kentuckians enrolled in the Medicare Part D plan. The rebates are part of the new health care reform law. They're designed to help seniors cover their medication costs and, eventually, to close the Medicare coverage gap known as the "doughnut hole."

Checks are in the mail to those who have already hit the prescription drug coverage gap this year. Nelda Barnett, interim president of AARP Kentucky, says she's one of them.

"I called to reorder two different prescriptions and, when they figured it up, they said, 'That'll be $1091 – but you've reached the doughnut hole.'"

Almost 52,000 Kentuckians will receive the one-time, $250 payment. It won't fully cover some expensive medications, but Barnett says it might help prevent people from rationing their medications or taking partial doses to save money. She says it's not smart to second-guess the doctors' orders.

"'Playing doctor' on yourself, when the doctor that you have been to knew what you needed and, in making the determination, he prescribed what was going to keep you up, going and healthy."

AARP also has concerns that scam artists will try to make a buck by offering to help people get their rebates, which Barnett says is unnecessary - the checks are mailed automatically by Medicare to those who qualify. She adds the transaction is handled solely by Medicare, and they don't need to do anything to sign up or qualify.

"No one else will be involved in that, between Medicare and you. And if anybody calls you and tells you they can help you get your check quicker, don't listen to 'em - and report it."

The number to call to report a suspected scam is 1-800-MEDICARE.

Starting next year, people who reach the doughnut hole will receive drug discounts instead. By 2020, the doughnut hole is scheduled to be phased out entirely.

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