Buyers beware.

Crooks have moved to exploit the new Medicare prescription drug benefit that President Bush signed into law in December.

Beginning in May, Medicare recipients can sign up for government-approved discount cards that could save them up to 25 percent of their drug costs. Some low-income seniors also will be eligible for a $600 stipend to help pay for their medicine. The cards are meant to help seniors until the full drug benefit begins in 2006.

But unscrupulous companies are targeting seniors who may be confused about the new benefits or unsure of the details. Cards are being marketed as being backed by Medicare and with names that suggest government affiliations or approval.

It’s a scam.

As reported Tuesday by the New York Times, salespeople are going door-to-door or making telephone solicitations. There are misleading ads on television. In some cases, callers use personal information to convince people they are legitimate.

They are not.

Seniors cannot sign up for the legitimate cards until May. Period. The new benefits will not begin until June. Period. If someone says something different, they’re lying.

According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, more than 100 companies have submitted applications to offer the new Medicare-approved discount drug cards. There are two types of cards. One is based on geography – beneficiaries must live in the area covered by the card. The other is for enrollees in Medicare Advantage plans. But marketing has not begun on any of them.

A toll-free telephone number, 1-800-MEDICARE, has been set up to answer questions about the new Medicare law and to collect complaints. Information is also available at www.medicare.gov.

Don’t be taken in. Check out any cards before signing up.


Hold firm


Opponents of strict regulations for racinos in the state often point to the results from November.

Voters approved racinos, 53 percent to 47 percent, and the governor and the Legislature shouldn’t tread on the people’s will. We hear the argument all the time.

It’s true that a majority of Maine’s voters OK’d racinos. But the law was without many of the details we think are necessary for a new gambling enterprise to open its doors here.

Lawmakers are right in their efforts to protect the interests of the state by establishing a tough – but fair – oversight regime on slot machines.

And, voters, now that they have heard more about plans to open slot machine gambling, are also reconsidering.

A January poll from Market Decisions, released Tuesday, shows a subtle shift in public opinion on racinos. If the question of allowing slots at harness tracks were on a ballot today, the results likely would be reversed.

As more information has come out about the business of slot machines, it has become clear that state oversight is vital to protect the state and its people.

Slot machines are coming, but their backers shouldn’t get a free pass to write all the rules. The Legislature and governor need to hold firm on strict slot machine regulations.


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