First Phase of Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Kicks In
By: Import User
Updated: January 7, 2009
Senior citizens sick of struggling to pay for prescription medicine will finally get a taste of Uncle Sam`s medicine to cure the illness.
The first phase of the medicare prescription drug plan kicks in Monday, allowing Medicare recipients to start signing up for temporary discount drug cards.
But with such a hefty law, comes a hefty decision for seniors to make: which card is best for them.
Seventy-five year old Rudy Alvardo doensn`t need much medicine. But he`s still paying close attention.
"I only take two prescriptions, my wife takes ten," he said. "We pay quite a bit...maybe 300, 400 (dollars)."
Starting May 3, Alvarado and his wife can chose from a list of 39 different drug companies offering discount cards in Arkansas.
"And they will get numerous offers from companies to take the card they`re selling," says Pat Jones, AARP.
Some companies have already sent out ads selling their cards. To pick the best, AARP suggests seniors make a list of all the prescription drugs they use and their dosage.
"As these advertisements come in, contact the company, ask them how much the company will save them for the drugs they use," Jones explains.
From there, seniors can compare the costs. Almost all of the cards come with an enrollment fee ranging from $15 to $30.
That fee would be waived for the 40% of Arkansas Medicare recipients on low-incomes.
"They can actually get a $600 credit on their discount card for 2004," Jones said.
The credit can apply to singles with incomes less than $12,569, or couples with incomes less than $16,862.
No matter which requirement you meet, AARP says to get the best deal, shop around.
More than 120,000 Arkansans on Medicare have no prescription drug coverage.
Seniors can start using these temporary cards as soon as June 1, 2004.
Full Medicare prescription benefits don`t go into effect until 2006.
AARP is sponsoring workshops around the state to help answer questions. To find one near you, call AARP at 1-866-554-5379.
For more information, you may also click on the following links:
www.medicare.gov
www.aarp.org
