The “Medicare-Approved Prescription Drug Discount Card.” is a temporary program, designed to provide assistance to beneficiaries who have little or no prescription drug coverage until the Part D Medicare Prescription Drug benefit begins in January 2006.

The Discount Card is voluntary. If you do not want to participate, there is no penalty. If you have current prescription drug assistance through an employer, retirement program or Medicare Supplemental policy, you may decide not to participate.

There is good reason to participate
if you have an annual income of $12,569.00/single or $16,862.00/married. People who fall into these categories are eligible for $600 per year (2004 and 2005) in transitional assistance. (If you receive full Medicaid benefits, have employer prescription coverage, are a member of TRICARE for Life or have the Federal Employee Health Benefit Plan, you are not eligible for the $600.00 assistance.)

If you are eligible, the $600.00 will be built into the card you choose, and you will receive the offered discount and have a 5% or 10% co-pay, depending on your income level.

Things to consider when choosing a discount card are:

1) each card will offer it’s own formulary, so check to see if your drugs are covered.

2) Check to see how much of a discount will be given when using the card (discounts may vary with each card).

3) Check to see if you can use the card at the drugstore of your choice.

4) If you qualify for the $600.00 transitional assistance, complete both the application for the discount card, and the application for the assistance.

5) Each card company may charge an annual enrollment fee of up to $30. This must be paid when you enroll, but is not charged to those who qualify for the $600 transitional assistance.

“Medicare-Approved Prescription Drug Discount Card.” providers will mail their applications to you for completion. Once received, applications will be processed and you will receive notice of acceptance or denial within two weeks.

You may have only one “Medicare-Approved Prescription Drug Discount Card.” per year. When you sign up in 2004, you must keep it until 2005. In 2005, you can change to another card, (open enrollment for 2005 will occur in Nov. and Dec. of 2004).
Residents with Medicare HMO’s in Clark County, Senior Dimensions or Secure Horizons; Washoe County, Senior Dimensions, you will be offered an exclusive card for their beneficiaries only. You won’t have an enrollment fee, but you may apply for the $600.00 assistance. (In Washoe County, Senior Care Plus will not offer an exclusive card, so their members may choose from any “Medicare Approved” card).

There will be companies selling “Medicare-Approved Prescription Drug Discount Card.” illegally. Call our HelpLine at 1-800-307-4444 or
1-800-Medicare to find out if the card company is legitimate. Go to the www.medicare.gov website and utilize a program which helps you compare the different cards in your area.

Nevada Division For Aging Services
Marilyn Wills, Director, SHIP/Project NEON