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For Immediate Release
May 14, 2004
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White Relays Important Information
About Medicare Drug Discount Card
Harrisburg -- Senior citizens should be aware of
some important information regarding the new
Medicare Drug Discount Card program, state Sen. Mary
Jo White (R-21) said today.
White noted that many seniors are receiving
letters from Medicare-approved providers encouraging
them to sign up and pay for the new drug discount
card. This may cause some confusion, particularly
for those who currently have a prescription drug
card through Pennsylvania's PACE or PACENET
programs, she said.
"Depending on your situation, the Medicare Drug Discount
Card may or may not be for you," said White, a member of the
Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee.
The federal Medicare Drug Discount Card program
is targeted to those who do not have any public or
private prescription drug coverage. Therefore,
seniors with a state PACE or PACENET card who are
single with an income between $12,569 and $23,500,
or a married couple with an income between $16,862
and $31,500, will likely not see additional benefits
under the Medicare-approved drug discount card.
PACE and PACENET benefits are more generous than
the federal benefits currently available, so there
is no need to pay for a Medicare-approved drug
discount card. However, seniors who are not
enrolled in PACE or PACENET and have total incomes
less than the above amounts may want to apply for
prescription drug benefits through the Medicare Drug
Discount Card program.
A Medicare-approved drug
discount card can provide savings of 10 to 30 percent on prescription
drugs, depending on the card chosen. Participants should only sign up
for one Medicare-approved drug discount card and are bound by their
first choice through the end of 2004. At the end of 2004, they will
have an opportunity to choose a different Medicare-approved drug
discount card to use in 2005.
"Senior citizens are under no obligation to sign up for any
drug discount card," said White. "You should compare the benefits that
each card company has to offer and determine which one best suits your
needs."
The senator recommended considering the following:
- Look for the Medicare-approved
seal.
- Check the total savings as well
as the savings by the type of drug. Look for a card that offers
discounts on the prescription drugs that you take. Sometimes the best
card won't discount every drug you need, but could provide bigger
discounts on your most expensive drugs.
- If you are loyal to a specific
pharmacy, look for a card that includes your pharmacy.
- If you have addresses in more
than one state or near a state border, look for a card with a national
service area.
In January 2006, additional
prescription drug benefits will be available through Medicare. At that
time, all participants with Medicare coverage will have new prescription
drug coverage options.
"Applying the new Medicare
benefits to Pennsylvania seniors is slightly more complicated than in
other states because Pennsylvania years ago took the lead in providing
prescription drug benefits to senior citizens, and the two efforts have
to be coordinated," said White. "However, by making an informed
decision, seniors can receive valuable help in paying for the
medications they need."
CONTACT: Leigh Ramsey (717) 787-9684
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