Eliminate Confusion with New Medicare Drug Cards
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2004-07-01 00:00:00-04:00
Find out how to lower your prescription drug costs by signing up for a new Medicare Drug Card
AARP Oregon is helping members and others through the maze of choices presented by the new Medicare prescription drug discount cards. The effort is part of AARP Oregon’s ongoing fight for accessible and affordable health care, with a focus on lowering the cost of prescription drugs.
The new Medicare law allows clients to sign up for the private discount drug cards, which are supposed to save enrollees 10 to 15% on prescription costs.
"There are some 40 different cards available in Oregon," said Jerry Cohen, AARP state director. "And each card may differ as to the particular prescription drugs they cover, the actual discounts offered, enrollment fees and other variables."
AARP Oregon initiated several steps beginning in April to help alleviate some of the confusion. Programs include:
- Co-sponsorship with the state’s Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance Program (SHIBA) in conducting presentations on the cards in Coos Bay, Astoria, Springfield, Northeast Portland and Redmond.
- Outreach and ongoing presentations to AARP chapters, senior centers, assisted living facilities, health organizations and state and local agencies.
- Statewide distribution of AARP booklets, "Medicare Changes That Could Affect You" and "Medicare Drug Card." The booklets were also distributed to all state legislators.
AARP is making available a Medicare-endorsed card as part of its existing AARP Pharmacy Service, which is provided by United HealthCare Insurance Company. However, the AARP Oregon campaign covers all the card options as well as information on all the various discount card programs. Special emphasis in all outreach is on helping consumers understand how they can save money, determine if any card is right for them and, if so, how to seek out the best discount card.
Beyond the Medicare discount card, AARP Oregon’s "Read, Compare, Consult" program has been instrumental in saving Oregonians money now on prescription drugs.
Based on the State of Oregon’s ground-breaking evidence-based research, AARP Oregon established the nation’s first consumer-friendly Web site in 2002, comparing effectiveness of different classes of drugs from high cholesterol to heartburn medications.
The site is designed to help members and others find the best prescription drug at the best price by following three easy steps:
- Read about the consumer-friendly scientific research on the Web site to learn about other drugs that might work as well as your current medications.
- Compare the prices of these different drugs with your pharmacist.
- Consult with your physician to find the best drug for you at the best price.
Booklets mentioned above may be obtained by calling 1-866-554-5360. Ask for "Medicare Changes That Could Affect You" by the number: D18070 (204) and the "Medicare Drug Discount Card" by the number: D18105 (404).
Other Resources
The following Medicare information is available as a free downloadable PDF file by using Adobe Acrobat.
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