Nebraska Department of Insurance
THE NEBRASKA HEALTH INSURANCE INFORMATION, COUNSELING, AND ASSISTANCE (NICA) PROGRAM
JUNE 2002 NICA NEWS
GOLD RECORDS
Record 3/02 (B. Hamilton): Client received out of state (Canada) phone solicitation late in evening, after 9 pm, selling a new prescription plan. Asked for her checking account number. She later found her bank account charged $349. Her income is $400 per month. Social worker was able to get transaction reversed and money back. Bank suggested we file a complaint with the Attorney General. We are in the process of putting facts together.This same scenario is being played out in other states. This company appears to be targeting senior citizens to offer a discount healthcare benefit for various services such as vision, dental and chiropractic.
Be very cautious when telemarketers call. Under no circumstances should consumers provide bank account numbers, credit card number information or social security numbers to a telemarketer unless they are absolutely sure who they are dealing with, and are certain that they are doing business with a reputable company.
Contact the Nebraska Attorney General's Office to report your concern of any possible scams at 1-800-727-6432.
Since there are many new drug assistance programs, Medicare beneficiaries should be cautious before signing on to such programs.
The NICA Program Office has just published a flier that lists five drug company assistance programs. Please contact our office to receive copies of the flier.