As
Medicare Doughnut Hole Rebates Total $250 Million, AARP Offers Tips to
Get Checks and Avoid Scams
WASHINGTON (August
31, 2010) —As Americans in the Medicare prescription drug coverage gap
receive the latest round of rebate checks from the program, AARP is
offering its members and everyone in Medicare important tips to get
their checks on time and avoid fraud.
People in Medicare
Part D who reach the dreaded coverage gap, or “doughnut hole,” are
forced to pay the full price of their prescriptions, in addition to
their monthly premiums. This year, those who fall into the coverage gap
will receive a $250 check to help with their expenses. Medicare
announced this week that it has mailed its one millionth check.
Starting in 2011, people who reach the doughnut hole will receive a 50
percent discount on brand-name drugs. By 2020, the doughnut hole will
be eliminated entirely.
“With four million
Americans expected to reach the doughnut hole and receive rebate checks
this year, it’s important that seniors and their families know what to
expect and how to avoid costly scams,” said AARP Senior Vice President
Cheryl Matheis.
AARP is offering
people in Medicare and their families five important facts to keep in
mind as the doughnut hole rebate checks continue to hit mailboxes across
the country:
* Receipts can help
you track your spending. People in Medicare Part D who reach the gap
should automatically receive a check, but you should save your receipts
just in case. If you think you’ve reached the doughnut hole and don’t
receive your check within a few months, having your receipts handy will
be helpful when talking to Medicare.
* Checks will be
mailed automatically. Your prescription drug plan tracks your drug costs
for you. Once you reach the coverage gap, you will receive a check.
* Protect yourself
against scams. If someone says they can help you get your check more
quickly if you pay them a fee, immediately report this scam or any
similar fraud to the police or to your state’s Attorney General. You
can find the Attorney General’s phone number in the blue pages of the
telephone book or online at www.naag.org. You should also report any
suspected scam to Medicare by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
* Your check will
be mailed to the address Social Security uses to reach you. If you need
to change your address, please call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.
If you prefer, a change of address may also be reported by calling or
visiting your local Social Security office.
* You may be able
to save on your prescription drugs. By entering the name of each of
your drugs, its dosage, and how often you take it into AARP’s Doughnut
Hole Calculator (www.aarp.org/doughnuthole),
you can see if and when you are likely to enter the doughnut hole. This
tool will also identify less costly drugs available in your Part D plan
and will print out a personalized letter that will help you begin a
conversation with your physician about switching to lower-cost
alternatives.
Check
www.aarp.org/getthefacts for more information on how the new health
care law will affect you and your family.
AARP is a
nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that helps people 50+ have
independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and
affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse
candidates for public office or make contributions to either political
campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive
voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine
with over 35.1 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for
AARP's millions of members and Americans 50+; AARP VIVA su Segunda
Juventud, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to
the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation
is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and
empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of
volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50
states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin
Islands.
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