Perspective               

Final Rule Issued for Medicare Drug Discount Cards

The Bush administration has established a drug discount card program for people with Medicare. The Administration claims that the Medicare-endorsed cards will save people who buy them 10 to 15 percent off their prescription drugs. Pending federal court approval, the discount cards will become available early next year.

The Department of Health and Human Services projects that 10 million people with Medicare will use the cards, each saving about $170 a year. Given that older adults spent an average of $1,205 on prescription drugs in 2000, the savings will be minimal, numerous experts pointed out. In addition, there are already many private prescription drug discount cards on the market, but studies have shown that they do little for the 20 million Americans with Medicare who have little or no prescription drug coverage.

Critics also fear the discount card program will slow momentum for a comprehensive drug benefit within Medicare.

For information on help paying for your prescription drugs, click here or call your State Health Insurance Assistance Program. The number is listed in Medicare and You.

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