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About Medicare-approved Drug Discount CardsPlan offers extra help for low-income Medicare patientsDateline: 04/12/04 As early as May 2004, almost anyone with Medicare will be eligible to enroll in the new Medicare-approved drug discount card program. The discount cards will be good until at least December 31, 2005, when Medicares new comprehensive prescription drug benefit starts. A Medicare-approved drug discount card offers a discount off the full retail price of prescriptions. These cards may save you 10 - 15% on your total outpatient prescription drug costs and as much as 25% on certain drugs. Almost everyone with Medicare can get a Medicare-approved drug discount card. It doesnt matter whether you have Original Medicare (Part A and/or Part B), a Medigap policy, a Medicare managed care plan, or another kind of Medicare health plan. The only people who can't enroll in a Medicare-approved drug discount card are those who already have outpatient drug coverage through Medicaid. Look for the Medicare Seal Even More Savings Possible you might qualify for a $600 credit on the Medicare-approved drug discount card you choose. You can use that credit right away to help pay for your prescription drugs. Whether you qualify for the $600 credit will depend on whether you meet the income limits shown above and whether you already receive outpatient prescription drug coverage from certain other sources. Even if your income is higher, you can still choose a Medicare-approved drug discount card to save money. The annual enrollment fee for a Medicare-approved drug discount card will typically be no more than $30. Persons who qualify for the $600 credit will not be charged an enrollment fee. Is there only one Medicare-approved drug discount card? Participation is Not Mandatory To get help comparing your options and to find out more about how to enroll: |
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