Drug discount card assistance for seniors

It’s important to clarify the information in your recent article on the Medicare prescription drug card (“Gearing Up for a Discount Drug Card,” April 5) because Medicare beneficiaries can start saving with these cards right away.

Beginning in June, seniors and disabled individuals will be able to enroll in the new Medicare-Approved Prescription Drug Discount Card program to get discounts of 10% to 25% off their prescriptions.

In California, these drug cards will give immediate relief to more than 900,000 residents. In addition to the 10% to 25% discounts, individuals with incomes below $12,569 and couples with incomes below $16,862 will qualify for a $600 credit that they can use to pay for prescription drugs. More than 700,000 California residents will be eligible for this benefit.

So that seniors will know about this new benefit, we have launched an aggressive education effort to provide information about this new program. I would encourage anyone with questions to call our 24-hour helpline (800) MEDICARE or visit www.medicare.gov -- the official information sources on Medicare.

To help Medicare beneficiaries select the drug card that is best suited for them, we have established a website tool (accessible as of April 29) that compares the prices of available cards.

Seniors and their caregivers, relatives or friends can input their medications and how far they want to travel to a drugstore and compare prices, drugstore locations and card sponsors in their community and decide which is best for them.

Seniors can also call (800) MEDICARE to get the same information and have the results sent to them by mail.

In addition, a booklet with step-by-step guidance for comparing cards, along with eligibility and enrollment information, will be mailed to every beneficiary later this month. The Social Security Administration will mail a separate letter to those with low incomes who may be eligible for the $600 credit.

Right away all seniors will have access to lower prices and new help with drug costs -- and we’re working hard to make sure seniors and the disabled have the information they need to get the most out of their new benefits.

Mark B. McClellan

Administrator

Centers for Medicare

& Medicaid Services

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services