Press
Release
For Immediate Release Contact: Sean
C. Bonyun
June 3, 2004 (202) 225-3761
Immediate
Savings for Seniors as
Medicare Prescription Drug Card goes into Effect
Over 85,000 seniors in Southwest Michigan
are now eligible for immediate savings
WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Fred Upton
(R-St. Joseph) today reminded Southwest Michigan’s
seniors that they can now begin saving money through
Medicare-approved drug discount cards. The discount
cards took effect June 1st, and will continue offering
discounts until the full Medicare prescription drug
benefit takes effect on January 1, 2006. The discount
card program was created by the Medicare prescription
drug law.
“Seniors can take these savings
to the bank,” said Upton. “For the first
time Medicare is helping seniors, especially low-income
seniors, save money on the drugs they need to stay
healthy. The drug card is an important first step
toward making prescription drugs more affordable
for seniors. But this is only a first step until
the full Medicare drug benefit begins in 2006.”
Unless they already have prescription
drug coverage under the Medicaid program, seniors
are eligible to voluntarily sign up for a Medicare-certified
prescription drug discount card. There is an enrollment
fee which will vary by card sponsor but cannot be
more than $30 per year. These cards will offer seniors
discounts ranging between 10 to 25 percent on name-brand
drugs and between 40 to 60 percent on generic and
mail order drugs. Over 85,000 seniors in the 6th
District are eligible for these immediate discounts.
Low-income seniors eligible for Medicaid
will receive a $1,200 credit over the next 18 months
to put toward their drug costs. Over 3,400 seniors
in the 6th District are eligible for this cash credit.
The government will also pay the enrollment fee.
For more information or to sign up
for a card, seniors can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
or go to the Medicare website at www.medicare.gov
and select “Prescription Drug and Other Assistance
Programs.” The website allows seniors to enter
their prescriptions to determine what the various
discounts are on the cards available in their area
and what pharmacies are participating.
“With the 1-800-MEDICARE hotline
and its new website, Medicare provides a one-stop-shopping
resource for seniors with questions about the program,” said
Upton. “Never again will seniors have to call
around or travel to area pharmacies to find the best
prices. Now all it takes is one phone call, or one
click of a mouse.”
The landmark new law provides all of
the 1,447,595 Medicare beneficiaries in Michigan
with the voluntary option of joining a Medicare prescription
drug plan. The new law also makes many other improvements
to bring the Medicare program in line with 21st century
medical care and protect and enhance access to high-quality,
affordable, community-based care for all beneficiaries.
RADIO REPORTERS: An actuality is available:
Dial: 202/ 226-4760
Enter: 0412184 #
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