Medicare Discount Cards From Hell?

[dArKeR]

Beginning next week, Medicare participants can begin using a prescription-drug discount card designed to help anyone over 65 save money on medication.

While many need the discount, seniors looking into the program have discovered that there are 73 different cards to choose from. And finding the best one is no easy task.

To sort through the confusion, financial advisor Ray Martin visits The Early Show on Wednesday to explain how to go about choosing a card.

In December 2003, Congress passed the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act. A major goal of the act is to provide prescription drug coverage for seniors. The law does not kick into effect until January 2006. However, the government wanted to provide some sort of immediate financial assistance for seniors who face large monthly costs for medications. The answer: prescription drug discount cards.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/05/25/earlyshow/contributors/raymartin/main619500.shtml

[cosmicdot]

1. so, disabled people (SSDI), under 65, on Medicare are left out?

I tried t tell my former Senator (this subject has been dragging on now for years) about this general omission when people think/talk about "Medicare" ... those under 65 seem to be forgotten ...

seems discriminatory

this part is questionable ... The Medicare bill also included: \
"A ban on drug imports unless HHS certifies them" ... I guess this is separate and above DEA's meddling ...

SSDI = Social Security Disability Income

When I was accepted into the SSDI program, I found it a bit shocking that I, unemployed, disabled, had to wait 2 years before Medicare would 'kick-in' ... what's one to do during that 24 month period ... hope and pray for a miracle? What bureaucrat (I'm thinking white male politician) came up with that fabulous idea: I've got it ... a person's disabled ... needs healthcare ... let's deprive them of any assistance for 2 years ... just brilliant).

Medicare participants can begin using a prescription-drug discount card designed to help anyone over 65 save money on medication.

dArKeR, thanks for keeping an eye on all issues/subjects ...

[OneBlueSky]

2. I'm in the same boat . . .

I'm also on SSDI, and have a number of prescriptions that I'm having a real hard time affording . . . I won't qualify either, but I doubt that the card would help me much anyhow . . . still, it is a gaping oversight in the law . . .

[LoisC]

3. Prices raised on most used drugs

I just caught part of a message on CNN that 3 of the most used drugs by seniors (all I saw was Ambien) just had price increases. So much for a discount drug card!

[newyawker99]

8. Hi LoisC!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[gasperc]

4. 73 cards, oh I can see the ads now

gosh, if we don't take back all 3, I don't know

[AP]

5. These are basically loyalty cards like the ones grocery stores offer.

Do consumers really think that grocery stores would have loyalty cards if the store were LOSING money doing so?

How stupid are Americans?

[MGKrebs]

6. My pharmacy has these warning flyers sitting on the

checkout counter:

BEWARE
MEDICAL DISCOUT CARDS
In the next few weeks you may be receiving several offers for the new MEDICARE DISCOUNT CARDS. There will be many companies offering their cards to you and trying to explain how their cards work. Many of the new discount cards will force you to get your medications only from certain pharmacies and will prevent you from using the pharmacy of your choice.

(We can help you decide blah, blah, blah.)

[swinney]

7. One policy now know anything about it?

I had a problem with hospital charge and confusion with provider on who pays.

One said 2 policies.one said one policy.

Now I learn Medicare transferred my policy to my HMO and it is now considered one policy.

Know anything?

It does not sound right. Profit organization will try to pay as little and sock it to me.