Q: Is the new Medicare drug benefit now available?
A: As of May 3, 2004, Medicare beneficiaries have the opportunity to sign-up for a Medicare-approved drug discount card. Beginning June 1, 2004, the card will give beneficiaries a break on their prescription medicines until the comprehensive Medicare prescription drug benefit begins in January 2006. The new Medicare law signed in December created the first-ever Medicare prescription drug benefit for 41 million seniors and disabled Americans. As chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, I led the landmark legislation through Congress. Finally, the four-decades-old health insurance program for older Americans catches up with the 21st century practice of medicine. The drug discount card and prescription drug benefit will be available to all Medicare beneficiaries regardless of where they live. And both are entirely voluntary. That means no one has to change a thing if they are satisfied with their traditional Medicare. During the first four months of the year, I conducted 39 meetings throughout Iowa to help educate beneficiaries about the Medicare-approved drug discount card and new Medicare drug benefit.
Q: Where can Medicare beneficiaries get one-on-one information about the new Medicare-approved discount card?
A: Congress last year approved the biggest improvement to Medicare in history. But it won’t do Medicare beneficiaries one bit of good if they aren’t aware of the new benefits. Through my town meetings, I’m working hard to spread the word and gather feedback from Iowans. At my meetings I also informed Iowans that they could go to three places to get more information about how the new benefit will benefit them.
The federal agency that runs Medicare has upgraded its website to allow visitors to compare drug prices and search for a local pharmacy that accepts the Medicare-approved discount cards. Go to www.medicare.gov to learn more. In addition, seniors and their family members may access one-on-one assistance by calling toll-free 1/800-MEDICARE to speak directly with a trained benefits counselor for personalized help.
In January, I also urged the secretary of Health and Human Services to direct resources to local State Health Insurance Information Assistance Programs (SHIIP). This network of staff and trained volunteers provides free expert advice and confidential counseling to folks who need help figuring out their health insurance coverage. HHS boosted funding for these local outreach programs by 69 percent to get help where help is needed most in the communities where seniors live. These dedicated representatives know the Medicare program inside and out. They offer unbiased information to help older folks choose the right benefit option for them. Iowa has representatives in 75 counties. To find a trained volunteer in your area, call 1/800-351-4664 or send an e-mail to shiip@comm6.state.ia.us. Also check its website at www.shiip.state.ia.us.
Iowans can also always contact any of my offices for more information. My phone number in Washington, D.C. is 202/224-3744.
Q: Who qualifies for the new discount card?
A: For less than $30 a year, the discount card is available to all Medicare beneficiaries who don’t also have outpatient drug coverage through Medicaid. Beneficiaries using the Medicare-approved drug discount cards ought to save between 10 to 15 percent on their total drug costs, and up to 25 percent on certain prescription drugs. Lawmakers also targeted the greatest assistance to those with the greatest need. Low-income beneficiaries will qualify for a $600 annual credit on the card for 2004 and 2005 and pay no enrollment fee. A single person whose income is no more than about $12,600, or a married couple whose income is no more than about $16,900 qualify for the credit. For these low-income beneficiaries, the card will be just like a debit card. When the card is presented at a pharmacy, the beneficiary will be able to ‘draw down’ from the $600 to purchase their prescriptions.