ATTORNEY GENERAL LARRY LONG ISSUES CONSUMER ALERT ON MEDICARE DRUG DISCOUNT CARDS 

PIERRE, S.D. - Attorney General Larry Long is warning South Dakota seniors to be careful when choosing a Medicare drug discount card. The Medicare Reform Act, passed in December 2003, established a prescription drug card benefit for eligible seniors. Enrollment for the card is not available until May 3, 2004 and cannot be used until June 1, 2004. However, scam artists are already trying to enroll seniors in bogus drug card programs to obtain their personal information such as bank account numbers, social security numbers and credit card numbers. 

“We have not had many complaints in South Dakota, but it is only a matter of time," said Long. “These scams artists are selling fake Medicare discount cards to seniors through door-to-door, telephone or email solicitations in several surrounding states. Do not give anyone personal identifying information. Remember that Medicare will not call or send an email directly to you.” 

For more information, Long suggests visiting the official Medicare Web site, www.medicare.gov or calling toll-free 1-800-MEDICARE. This website offers information on enrollment and a guide to choosing a Medicare-Approved discount drug card. If you have received suspicious offers of drug discount cards contact the Consumer Protection Division at 1-800-300-1986 or consumerhelp@state.sd.us. 

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