News from the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders

Public Information Contacts: Linda Van Zandt / Joanne Vuoso / Lisa Krueger

908.231.7020 publicinfo@co.somerset.nj.us

July 2, 2008

Medicare Scam Tactics – Part II

At Senior Wellness Center

BERNARDS – Charles Clarkson, attorney and coordinator of Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) of New Jersey, will return to the Somerset County Senior Wellness Center, located at 202 Mt. Airy Road, at 1 p.m. on Thursday, July 17. He will continue a program that was initially introduced to a full house in April.

Clarkson will present information about scams that are associated with Medicare, including medical and drug coverage plans. There are some agents who use aggressive marketing campaigns and door-to-door tactics to sell plans that give misleading information. Some have even been known to forge signatures. Clarkson also will offer recommendations that will help seniors avoid scams. Time will be allotted for questions and answers.

SMP of New Jersey is a federally funded, national organization whose goal is to protect seniors from Medicare and Medicaid fraud and abuse.

Participants who wish to have lunch before the program are asked to make a reservation by Tuesday, July 15. A suggested donation of $1.50 is recommended for lunch.

The Senior Wellness Center, one of seven centers operated by the Somerset County Office on Aging, offers a variety of educational, recreational and entertaining activities for seniors, including wellness programs and health screenings.

For more information or to register, contact Laurie Rowe, Senior Wellness Center, at (908) 204-3435.