Medicare Drug Card FAQs

A Medicare-approved vendor should begin selling the cards in May 2004. You must be entitled to or enrolled in Medicare Part A or Part B. Medicaid recipients are not eligible for a Medicare prescription drug card.

By law, no more than $30/year.

No. You should buy only one approved Medicare prescription drug card. When you purchase a Medicare prescription drug card, you must maintain that card for the rest of the calendar year, unless you qualify for a special circumstance allowing you to choose another card vendor such as your original vendor goes out of business. You may continue to use non-Medicare approved cards, though.

No. You may continue to use non-Medicare approved cards, such as those offered by drug manufacturers. Be sure to check to see which card produces the best discount for you.

Yes. Again, compare and use the option that gives you the best discounts.

Military Insurance (TRICARE for Life), Federal employees' health benefits, and some other employee and retirement plans.

Medicare law specifies that each approved drug card must have pharmacy access within certain distances. For example, if you live in an urban area, you should be able to use your card at a pharmacy that s within two miles; five miles for suburban and 15 miles for rural areas.

You should be able to get discounts on prescription drugs at a pharmacy.

You can save 10% to 17% on brand name drugs and 30% to 60% for generic drugs. Some people with little income may get much greater savings from some drug companies.

Go to Medicare s web site at http://www.medicare.gov/ or call toll-free 1800-633-4227. It is wise to check to make sure the pharmaceuticals you use regularly would be covered by the prescription drug card you choose. Also, federal law prohibits some items from being eligible for discounts with the card, such as products used for cosmetic purposes or to grow hair.

Yes. All you need to do is ask to see the discounts. Your vendor also should be able to provide you with a toll-free 800 telephone number to call.

Yes. By law, each Medicare-endorsed vendor must have a grievance process for members. And be sure the vendor is endorsed by Medicare because fly-by-night companies may spring up to trick you.

Yes, for those Medicare beneficiaries with low incomes. These beneficiaries are eligible for up to $600 in benefits and can get their initial $30 discount card enrollment fee paid for. To qualify, you must earn less than $12,569/year ($16,862 for couples). You may apply for such transitional assistance at any time. Any endorsed card vendor should be able to help you to apply.

The food stamp office will not count any savings as income. If you get the $600 credit,the food stamp office will not count that. The food stamp office will keep giving you the medical deduction you have been getting. It gives you a deduction as if you were still paying in full.

Your card vendor should quickly repay you your $30 enrollment fee. The $600 in annual transitional assistance may also be used to pay for co-pays and deductibles on qualified drugs.

Your pharmacist should be able to answer questions about the new Medicare prescription drug card. Your pharmacist also, by federal law, must tell you of any price difference between a covered discount card drug and the lowest price generic equivalent.

No. The Medicare prescription drug discount cards will last only for 2004 and 2005 (you would face another $30 enrollment fee in 2005), then the program ends and will be replaced by the new Part D drug benefit, starting in January 2006.

No, these discount cards are voluntary. That means enrolling is your choice. You decide whether it will save you money. If you want to enroll, contact the company offering the card you choose. If you can get a free card and $600 in credit toward drugs, get one.

No. A choice of more than one discount card is available. Medicare can help you compare your options before you choose a card. Private companies might also send you information about the Medicare-approved drug discount card they are offering. You can only enroll in one Medicare-approved drug discount card each calendar year. If you are a member of a Medicare managed care plan, contact your plan about discount card options for members.

Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and ask about 'drug savings'. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.