Medicare Prescription Drug Card Information

Many seniors are expressing consternation and concern about the new Medicare Prescription Drug Discount Card. Beginning in May 2004, people with Medicare (except for those with Medicaid drug coverage) have had the opportunity to enroll in a Medicare-approved prescription drug discount program to help lower their pharmacy costs. Starting in June, these cards provided discounts off the regular cash price of a prescription. The program is not intended to be a prescription drug benefit, but rather a way to help people until a new benefit is implemented on Jan. 1, 2006.

According to the Department of Health & Human Services, Medicare will provide a $600 credit for the purchase of prescription drugs in 2004 and an additional $600 credit in 2005 to people with incomes that are no more than $12,569 for single individuals or $16,862 for married couples in 2004.

Medicare has published a comprehensive booklet with information on these changes. Access information at www.medicare.gov on the web, or call 1-800-MEDICARE. The booklet is also available in Braille or in Spanish.

The Vascular Disease Foundation has also linked up with Quality Pharmaceutical Resources, Inc. as another way to save on prescriptions. See information in the box above, or call toll-free 1-866-500-3680 for the VDF program.