FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
December 15, 2004
Contact:  Lindsay Law
(202) 225-3772
 

AR Delegation Advises of 12/31 Deadline to Receive $1200 Prescription Drug Credit 
 
(Washington, D.C.) The deadline for low-income persons to sign up for a Medicare drug discount card that may qualify them to receive a $1200 credit for their medication in 2005 is December 31, 2004.  U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor, and Representatives Vic Snyder, John Boozman, Mike Ross, and Marion Berry advised today that seniors must sign up for the drug discount cards by the end of December to receive a $600 credit for 2004, which can be carried over to 2005.

The delegation is concerned that while seniors can still apply for the discount drug cards next year, if eligible, they will forfeit the $600 credit from 2004 if not signed up by December 31st.  They also suggested that if Arkansans are traveling and visiting elderly and low-income relatives this holiday season, it would be a good topic to discuss and encourage.

If a single person's income is no more than $12,569, or a married couple’s income is no more than $16,862, and have no other prescription coverage, they may qualify for a $600 credit to help pay for prescription drugs. If qualified, Medicare will apply a $600 credit to the Medicare-approved drug discount card.

A person can receive the $600 credit for 2005 as long as they enroll during the first quarter of 2005. However, if enrolled by December 31, 2004, seniors are eligible to receive a $600 credit for 2004, which can be carried over to 2005. Added with the $600 credit for 2005, the total credit toward prescriptions for 2005 would be $1200.

To sign up for the drug card, applicants may call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
or visit www.medicare.gov and select “Prescription Drug and Other Assistance Programs.”
TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.


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