Sharon Brigner has some thoughts about the new Medicare prescription drug discount card, which is coming soon. The card is expected to give discounts to people enrolled in Medicare. The Medicare agency estimates that the discount will be 10 to 25 percent. Enrollment begins early May, and people may start using the cards June 1...
A number of Medicare-approved companies will be selling them. Look for the advertising campaigns. They'll begin in April. The discount cards are a temporary measure until the full Medicare prescription drug benefit begins January 1, 2006.
Keep in mind that whether or not you want to buy one is up to you. The discount cards are voluntary. If you do decide to buy one, expect an enrollment fee of about $30 a year. To purchase a drug discount card, first select the discount card plan that you want. Then you'll submit basic information on an enrollment form to the plan. The plan will send you the card. You'll take that card to the pharmacy when you buy your medicine.
Each company that's selling the cards will have a specific list of drugs for which it offers discounts. Check out that list to see if the medicines you're taking are on it. Also, comparison shop.
Medicare will have a Web site that lists the plans' drug prices. The price-comparison Web site should be up by the end of April. If you don't have access to a computer, Medicare will have a phone number to call for the information.
Finally, you may be eligible for a credit of $600 a year on your card, depending on your income. To qualify, you may not have prescription coverage through an employer's health plan, TRICARE (military health insurance), or the federal health insurance plan (known as FEHBP). Your annual income must be $12,569 or less ($16,862 for a couple).
If you wish to apply, you'll be asked to submit income information when you fill in the plan's enrollment form. Those who get prescription drug coverage through their state's Medicaid program are not eligible to buy the Medicare prescription drug discount card.
If you have any questions, call 1-800-MEDICARE or log onto http://www.cms. hhs.gov/discountdrugs
Sharon Brigner, M.S., R.N., is Senior Director of Clinical and Medical Policy for Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America in Washington, D.C.
Source: NAPS
A number of Medicare-approved companies will be selling them. Look for the advertising campaigns. They'll begin in April. The discount cards are a temporary measure until the full Medicare prescription drug benefit begins January 1, 2006.
Keep in mind that whether or not you want to buy one is up to you. The discount cards are voluntary. If you do decide to buy one, expect an enrollment fee of about $30 a year. To purchase a drug discount card, first select the discount card plan that you want. Then you'll submit basic information on an enrollment form to the plan. The plan will send you the card. You'll take that card to the pharmacy when you buy your medicine.
Each company that's selling the cards will have a specific list of drugs for which it offers discounts. Check out that list to see if the medicines you're taking are on it. Also, comparison shop.
Medicare will have a Web site that lists the plans' drug prices. The price-comparison Web site should be up by the end of April. If you don't have access to a computer, Medicare will have a phone number to call for the information.
Finally, you may be eligible for a credit of $600 a year on your card, depending on your income. To qualify, you may not have prescription coverage through an employer's health plan, TRICARE (military health insurance), or the federal health insurance plan (known as FEHBP). Your annual income must be $12,569 or less ($16,862 for a couple).
If you wish to apply, you'll be asked to submit income information when you fill in the plan's enrollment form. Those who get prescription drug coverage through their state's Medicaid program are not eligible to buy the Medicare prescription drug discount card.
If you have any questions, call 1-800-MEDICARE or log onto http://www.cms. hhs.gov/discountdrugs
Sharon Brigner, M.S., R.N., is Senior Director of Clinical and Medical Policy for Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America in Washington, D.C.
Source: NAPS
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