The Pennsylvania Department of Insurance issued tips yesterday so that seniors can protect themselves against marketing scams that are masquerading as the new Medicare prescription drug benefit.

The drug benefit, which takes effect Jan. 1, has already kicked off a huge marketing campaign that will intensify in the coming months, as health insurance and pharmacy companies court seniors. Private companies will administer drug benefits provided by the government-backed program.

Companies may begin marketing their prescription drug plans on Oct. 1, and Medicare-eligible individuals can begin enrolling Nov. 15. So, if someone asks you to enroll prior to this date, it could be a scam, the state says.

Other tips offered yesterday include:

Never offer personal financial information, such as bank account numbers, to solicitors or telemarketers.

Do not pay with cash. Always write a check.

For free advice on prescription drug plans, call the Department of Aging's APPRISE health insurance counseling program at 1-800-783-7067.

Call the insurance department at 1-717-787-2317 to confirm the person or business you are dealing with is a licensed insurance professional.

Enrollment in the Medicare prescription drug program is voluntary. Those who opt for the prescription drug program -- often called Part D -- must pay monthly premiums that will average $32.