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-- Programs and Services -- Contact Information "SHINE responds to record number of questions on Medicare discount cards"
By Margie Ware, Elder Services SHINE Regional Program Coordinator
Elder Services’ SHINE (Serving Health Information Needs of Elders) program is experiencing a high level of calls this summer as elders consider whether the Medicare Discount Drug Card program is appropriate for them. We encourage any Medicare beneficiary with questions about this program to call our office, but as a start you may want to walk through these first steps to see whether you need to do more investigation:
If you qualify for "Transitional Assistance" -- single income less than $12,569 and couples with incomes less than $16,862 -- you should definitely have a card. Individuals who qualify for Transitional Assistance pay only a small co-payment for the first $600 of their prescription costs, and that amount will usually be less than the equivalent co-payment required with Prescription Advantage. In addition, individuals on Transitional Assistance (not to be confused with programs of the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance - they have nothing to do with one another!) may qualify for other discounts from pharmaceutical manufacturers.
Individuals who are already members of Prescription Advantage (PA) should have been contacted already about the Public Sector Partners prescription discount card. Individuals who are not now members of PA may contact Elder Services to learn more about the Open Enrollment period of September 1 - 30, 2004 for an effective date of coverage of November 1, 2004.
Members of Prescription Advantage with incomes higher than indicated above will not find the present Medicare Discount Card helpful.
Individuals with prescription coverage through an employer's retiree health plan and members of MassHealth do not need the Medicare-sponsored cards.
Individuals with no prescription drug coverage should call Elder Services for assistance with picking an appropriate card.
If you're computer-savvy, you may want to investigate the Medicare cards yourself on the Internet, but please note that it is easy to make a mistake, either in the name of the drug, the dosage or the quantity used. Double check your work if you intend to pick a card on your own.
The web site is www.medicare.gov and one clicks on the first category named "Find Available Medicare Drug Discount Card" and then clicks on "Quick Search" and begins the process. Elder Services staff have computers and will be happy to look up the information for you. If you visit a SHINE counselor at a Council on Aging, he or she can call the office while you're there and give us your information.
It can be challenging to understand all the aspects of this complex new program. For instance, it is now being said that a select number of individuals with prescriptions for certain disabling conditions will be able to participate in a lottery to test the new system that is anticipated for 2006. Berkshire Senior will publish more information as it arrives.
When in doubt, ask! That's why we're here - please contact Elder Services at 413-499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242.