“The best way to protect yourself from fraud is by getting the facts,” Mayor Menino said. “Speak to someone you trust – a family member, health care provider, or city staff member before selecting a Medicare discount drug card.”

Beginning May 3, 2004, Medicare recipients will receive applications to enroll in the new Medicare Prescription Drug discount card program. There are many approved cards, and each one offers a different discount for each drug. Mayor Menino has voiced concern that some companies whose cards are not Medicare- approved will attempt to scam seniors into purchasing cards that will not provide the promised benefits. In recent weeks, Mayor Menino has also recorded and released a public service announcement to local broadcast media, and he held a March press conference on this issue in conjunction with Attorney General Tom Reilly.

Trained advocates will be available at the Elderly Commission for individual assessments and counseling. Information packets and tip sheets will be available from the city, and community groups can arrange to have special presentations about the Medicare benefits by calling the Elderly Commission. In addition, arrangements have been made with the Public Health Commission’s Health Line to assist Medicare members who are not native English speakers.

The City of Boston Elderly Commission can be reached by calling 617 635-4366, Monday through Friday from 9:00 – 5:00 p.m. The Health Line at the Boston Public Health Commission is at 617 534-5050. In addition, a page has been added to the City of Boston web site detailing information about the program. The page is accessible at www.cityofboston.gov/elderly.