Medicare Prescription Drug Discount Program
Medicare prescription drug discount cards are another way to save money on prescription drugs. This program is scheduled to operate between June 2004 and the end of 2005, when private companies will offer discount drug cards approved by Medicare. You will be able to buy a card that may save you some money on your prescription drugs. Like other drug discount cards the cards will offer discounts on only certain drugs. While similar to many discount cards available, Medicare endorsed cards must meet certain guidelines such as offering discounts on at least one drug in each therapeutic class. However, you will have to decide if purchasing the card is best for you.
What if I am low-income?
Individuals with incomes less than $12,569 (single) or $16,862 (married) and have no employer/retiree drug coverage are eligible for special benefits of up to $600 to help pay for drugs. They are able to get a card at no cost.
Should I get a Medicare drug discount card?
If you are eligible for the low-income discount benefits, it is definitely to your advantage because of the $600 that will be available for drug discounts. However, this amount will be reduced during 2005 as you get closer to the end of the program in December 2005.
Otherwise you must decide if the discounts you will receive, between 10 and 25% on some drugs will benefit you.
What should I know?
You do not have to get a Medicare drug discount card. There is no penalty for not getting one. The program is limited. Medicare discount cards may not offer discounts on all drugs. Each company's card will offer different discounts on different drugs. The list of the drugs discounted and the price for these drugs can change every week. However, you can only buy one Medicare card. In addition, Medicare discount cards will only work at certain pharmacies.
How do I get a Medicare drug discount card?
You can sign up with one of many companies that offer the card. However, because different plans offer discounts on different drugs, it is best to find drug discounts that match the drugs that you take.
Then sign up with the company that offers the benefits you want. Applications packages may be available at your pharmacy. There will be two kinds, one for the standard drug discount card and one for the special low-income benefits. The cost will be $30 for the standard card and no cost for the low-income one.
If your Medicare private plan, (HMO, PPO or PFFS) offers a discount card, you may only be able to joint that plan's discount card program. If you choose not to join it, you can still use any of the hundreds of other drug discount programs available that are not Medicare sponsored.
Where can I find a list of drug discount cards and how do I compare them?
A list of cards and a comparison tool are available on the internet at www.medicare.gov. You can also call 1-800-Medicare for assistance in comparing the Medicare drug discount cards.
Where can I get help?
Each county's Area Agency on Aging can direct you to a program to give advice on Medicare.
In Pennsylvania the program is called Apprise. In Philadelphia, the Apprise programs are located at the Mayor's Commission on Services to the Aging: 215-686-8462 for South and West Philadelphia; and Albert Einstein Medical Center's Premier Years Program: 215-456-7600 for the rest of Philadelphia.
Are there any websites on this?
One website, www.medicarerights.org has an interactive service on the Medicare plan and a listing of places to contact for discount information.