FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
May 19, 2004
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Erickson 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
Ted Erickson (R-26) said today.
Erickson 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, he said.
"Depending on your situation, the Medicare Drug Discount Card may or
may not be for you," said Erickson, 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 higher 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 Erickson. "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:
1. Look for the Medicare-approved seal.
2. 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.
3. If you are loyal to a specific pharmacy, look for a card that
includes your pharmacy.
4. 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 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 Erickson.
"However, by making an informed decision, seniors can receive
much-needed help in paying for the medications they rely on."
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CONTACT: Tom Golden (717) 787-1350
