Perspective               

Prescription Drugs

A new study by The Commonwealth Fund reveals that only about half of all people with Medicare have prescription drug coverage all year-challenging the often-cited statistic that two-thirds have a drug benefit through supplemental plans. More than 16 million people with Medicare had no or very limited coverage throughout the year. Even among the most chronically ill, only about half had full-year coverage, placing a huge financial burden on those with partial or no coverage.

The study also shows that despite health needs, people with no coverage or only partial coverage fill fewer prescriptions than those with full-time coverage, yet pay up to twice as much of their own money for the drugs they buy. Those in fair to poor health with no drug coverage spent an average of $732 out of pocket, more than twice the $318 spent by those in similar health who had a drug benefit.

If you need help paying for your medications, some help is available. Some drug manufacturers have special programs for patients who meet certain requirements. You need to ask your doctor to sign you up, or you can call 202-835-3400 for a directory of different programs. There are also programs that offer discounts on mail-order drugs. Call 1-800-238-7828 or 1-800-227-1195 to find out more. Finally, some states help older adults with low incomes pay for their prescription drugs.

To find out more about these programs, call your State Health Insurance Assistance Program, or SHIP. The number is listed in Medicare & You, which was sent to people with Medicare in the fall.

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