Perspective               

White House Report Reveals Need for Prescription Drug Benefit

President Clinton recently released a report on the various changes facing the Medicare program, highlighting the need for a prescription drug benefit. Among the report's findings is that by 2025, Medicare enrollment will nearly double to 62 million. By that year, 30 states will have populations in which more than 20 percent of citizens are over the age of 65. Today, no state has such a population.

The report also notes that more than half of people with Medicare who need prescription drug coverage have incomes above $15,000. This finding suggests that the prescription drug problem in this country is a middle-class issue, not just a low-income problem. To save money, members of Congress are proposing a prescription drug benefit that targets only low-income seniors, those with incomes below $15,000. But, this proposal won't save many lives. What it means is that half of the people who need prescription drug coverage-the middle class-wouldn't get it under the Republican plan. Clinton is proposing a more inclusive plan, offering prescription drug coverage to anyone who wants it.

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 202-853-3400 for a directory of different programs. There are also programs that offer discounts on mail-order drugs. Call 1-800-238-7828 or 1-800-277-1195 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. Or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

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