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Answers everyone should know about Medicare-approved drug cards

Pharmacy Regulation Resource, July 1, 2004

Medicare beneficiaries will have questions about the Medicare-approved discount cards and which one is the best for them. Lahey Clinic in Burlington, MA, supplied patients and healthcare providers with the following list of frequently asked questions.

Q: What is a Medicare-approved discount card?
A: A Medicare-approved discount card is a temporary card designed to help Medicare recipients pay for their medications until the new Medicare prescription drug coverage becomes effective in 2006. Enrollment for the cards began May 3, and the discounts for approved cardholders began June 1. Medicare-approved discount cards will have the Medicare-approved seal imprinted on the card.

Q: Who is eligible to enroll in a Medicare-approved discount card?
A: Anyone enrolled under Medicare Part A or B who is not receiving outpatient prescription drug benefits through Medicaid is eligible. Patients who are enrolled in a state pharmacy assistance program (not Medicaid) may still be eligible. Patients with unanswered questions concerning eligibility should contact 1-800-MEDICARE (800/633-4227).

Q: What is a Medicare managed care plan?
A: Medicare managed care plans (also known as Part C) are health maintenance organizations (HMOs) or health plans that Medicare-eligible patients may elect to join in addition to Medicare Part A and B to help pay for prescription drug coverage.

Q: Can patients enrolled in a Medicare managed care plan still sign up for a discount card?
A: Medicare managed care plans may offer an approved drug discount card to its plan members. If it does, the member can ONLY join the discount card offered by the plan. NOTE: If a Medicare managed care plan does not offer a Medicare-approved drug discount card, plan members can choose ANY discount card offered in their state. Patients should call their Medicare managed care plan for additional information.

Q: Can someone enroll in more than one Medicare-approved drug discount card?
A: No. A person may enroll in only one Medicare-approved drug discount card at a time.

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