Prescription relief

You've probably seen commercials for the Medicare-sponsored drug-discount cards made available last June. They are saving seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries substantial sums of money: 16 to 30 percent off usual retail prices and 30 to 60 percent or more on generic drugs. According to an analysis conducted by Harvard Medical School researchers, very low-income people as well as beneficiaries with poor health and high prescription-drug costs may reap the greatest rewards.

"The data are a fresh reminder that Medicare drug-discount cards will help lower the cost of prescription drugs for millions of seniors," says Mark Merritt, president and CEO of the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association. "For low-income seniors and those beneficiaries in poor health, the data suggest the savings are likely to be even more pronounced."

The Medicare-approved drug-discount card program has an annual enrollment fee, usually of no more than $30, and offers a $600 subsidy to low-income beneficiaries. Although several discount cards are available, recipients can only enroll in one Medicare-approved drug-discount card each calendar year.

Medicare can also help you compare your options before choosing a card. The pharmacists at Walgreens, where a health-education program has been instituted and information on the drug-discount cards is available, are another source of information. "We know millions of Americans trust our pharmacists for valuable health information," says Jeff Rein, Walgreens' president. "This program builds on that relationship."

Information and enrollment forms from Medicare can be found at www.medicare.gov and Walgreens.

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