Recent calls to the BBB from senior citizens claim that individuals and companies are using the Medicare rebate as a tool to gain clients and get information from senior citizens.

Companies or con artists are contacting senior citizens claiming that in order to receive a tax-free Medicare rebate they must provide additional information. These companies may be attempting to sell you their drug policy or could be con artists planning to use your information to steal money and steal your identity.

The Affordable Care Act, which was signed into law earlier this year, provides a $250 tax free rebate to seniors on Medicare with prescription drug coverage. This coverage may be through Medicare Extra Help or provided through another Medicare approved provider. The gap is the point when an individual has reached a point in the plan where coverage stops and they pay out of pocket until the expenses reach a point that the plan will again pay. At that point a rebate check will be mailed to the participants.

Medicare announced in May, 2010  not to give out any personal information because it’s not necessary to receive a rebate. If a Medicare recipient is in the plan, the pharmacy records will automatically trigger the rebate and a check made out in the participants name will be sent within 45 days.

“Any company or individual that is telling you that you must first fill out paperwork, meet with them, or buy their policy is using the rebate as a deceptive way to solicit business or steal your identity,” Kim States, BBB President.

Callers are telling BBB they are asked to meet with someone for the purpose of getting the rebate.  If you are approached by phone for an appointment, know that it is not necessary to give out any information or purchase a policy to receive a rebate check, and you may report information about the caller such as salesperson name, company name, phone number and address to BBB, Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 or local law enforcement.