Prescription Drug Discount Cards to Begin

As of May 3, 2004, Medicare beneficiaries became eligible to sign-up for a variety of Medicare-approved prescription drug discount cards, a transitional program to help seniors with their prescription drugs costs before the full implementation of the newly-enacted Medicare prescription drug benefit.  I wanted to take the time to explain the drug discount program to area seniors as well as ensure all seniors are made aware of the resources available to choose the right card for them.

Medicare-approved drug discount cards will be issued by private companies that meet Medicare's standards beginning as soon as June 1.  A total of 17 companies have been approved in Pennsylvania.  Keep in mind that some private companies offer discount cards that are not Medicare-approved.  The information provided herein applies only to Medicare-approved cards, which will have a "Medicare approved" seal on them. 

For a list of Medicare-approved cards, you can either log onto www.medicare.gov and select "Prescription Drug and Other Assistance Programs," or you can call 1-800-MEDICARE.  Although companies can mail information regarding cards to senior citizens, the law prohibits door-to-door or telephone solicitations.  If someone does receive a door-to-door or telephone solicitation for a card that is advertised as being "Medicare-approved," it is highly recommended that you do not provide them with any personal information.  If you believe the card offer is fraudulent, you may want to report the solicitation by calling the aforementioned number.   
 
A private company issuing a Medicare-endorsed card will choose or negotiate which prescription drugs will be discounted and the amount of the discount.  Accordingly, senior citizens should be careful to choose the card that best meets their needs.  In making the decision, the following are some of the factors which should be considered:

. Which of your prescriptions are covered by each card?
. Which card gives you the best overall price on all of your prescriptions?
. Does your pharmacy accept the card?
. What is the enrollment fee (the maximum is $30 per year)?
. Do mail order drugs offer a different discount than a pharmacy?

According to a recent study, a senior's average savings with the new cards will reach approximately 17% on brand name drugs and 35% on generics. Further, the study found that savings on mail-order prescriptions will average about 23% for brand name drugs and 39% for generics.

Please note that enrollment in the card program is completely voluntary, although a senior may enroll only in one program.  Seniors that already receive their prescription drugs through the Pennsylvania Medical Assistance program are not eligible.  In addition, many seniors currently enrolled in the state PACE program (specifically, individuals with an income of $12,569 or less or couples with an income of $16,862 or less) will be automatically enrolled in a Medicare-approved discount card issued by the PACE program.  Such enrollment will qualify them for reduced or waived co-payments.  Other seniors enrolled in PACE or PACENET should carefully consider whether a Medicare-endorsed discount card will provide any benefit to them. 

As stated previously, the Medicare-endorsed prescription drug discount card is a transitional program to help seniors better afford their medicines in 2004 and 2005.  Beginning in 2006, a new voluntary benefit will be offered under the Medicare program to further assist seniors with their drug costs.  As the federal government continues to implement the provisions of the newly-enacted Medicare law, my office will continue to strive to keep you well informed of developments.