"Aging Well, Living Well" With the Medicare Prescription Drug Card

"Aging Well, Living Well" With the Medicare Prescription Drug Card

Rep. Boozman's Column for the Week of May 10, 2004

This week marks the launch of Older Americans Month and this years' theme is "Aging Well, Living Well." It is an appropriate theme as Americans are living longer than ever these days.

Advances in pharmaceuticals are one of the main reasons for the longer life span of the average American. Diseases and ailments that once required surgery can now be treated with prescriptions. However, the costs of these drugs have skyrocketed in recent years forcing many seniors to choose between food and medicine. All this is about to change though.

Help is on the way via the new Medicare Prescription Drug plan that I voted for and President Bush signed into law last year. The first phase of the new program began this month with the rollout of Medicare's prescription drug discount cards. The discount cards promise discounts averaging 17 percent off the retail price and in some cases, up to 40 percent. With many choices available, seniors can compare different cards to find one that best meets their individual health care needs.

There are two easy ways to determine which is the best card. The official Medicare website, www.medicare.gov, provides customized information based on the particular needs of each senior, about the differences in drug coverage, pharmacy participation and prices among the available cards. If a senior does not have access to the internet or is uncomfortable using it, similar assistance is available by phone, toll free, at 1-800-MEDICARE.

The Medicare prescription drug discount card is voluntary and available to all Medicare beneficiaries, except those who enrolled previously for Medicaid and entitled to Medicaid drug coverage. Those who enroll by the end of May will get the card's discount and financial assistance, which begins on June 1st.

Currently, there are 39 approved Medicare prescription drug discount cards. Companies offering discount cards include the AARP, drug-store chains, health insurance companies, HMOs and hospital chains.

Those who wish to enroll should contact the company offering the card they desire. Before inquiring for information, those wishing to enroll should have ready the name of each drug they need, the dose, and how often they take the drug.

Drug card sponsors may charge an enrollment fee no more than $30/year, and must publish pricing information for the prescription drugs they offer. Financially deprived seniors, individuals earning less than $12,500/year and couples making less than $16,800/year, may qualify for additional benefits. Seniors eligible can get a $600 annual credit to help pay for prescription drugs.

The discount cards are in effect until December 31, 2005, after which the permanent prescription drug benefit becomes available.

For more information, contact the State Health Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (SHIP) Arkansas office at 1-800-224-6330. Seniors can also contact Medicare through it's website: www.medicare.gov, or call 1-800-MEDICARE for assistance in finding sponsor's which best fulfill their prescription needs.