Prescription Savings Are Just a Phone Call Away for Medicare Beneficiaries with Low Incomes

WASHINGTON, Oct. 21 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Thanks to the efforts ofthe 96-member Access to Benefits Coalition (ABC), over the next twoweeks, more than 1.1 million low-income seniors and younger personswith disabilities nationwide will receive an "Important Message fromMedicare" in the mail containing a Medicare-approved drug discountcard.

"This initiative has the potential to get much needed help to thepeople who need it the most," said James Firman, ABC chair andpresident and CEO of The National Council on the Aging. "The nationalnon-profit members of ABC as well as the members of its 52 local andState coalitions will work to encourage as many recipients aspossible to take advantage of this important assistance."

ABC is strongly urging those who receive this mailing to call 1-800-Medicare or the card sponsor's toll-free number in order toactivate the card and make sure they can take advantage of a $600credit this year and next.

However, they should not stop there.

"Four out of five people who are eligible for the $600 annualcredit are also eligible for additional savings through other stateand private company programs." Firman noted. "The best way to findout which combination of programs will save you the most is to useABC's BenefitsCheckUpRx tool available at http://www.AccesstoBenefits.org. If you have Internet access, you can usethe tool yourself or for a loved one. If not, seek help from a localAccess to Benefits Coalition."

There are 52 local Access to Benefits Coalitions in 34 statesworking to educate and enroll Medicare beneficiaries with lowerincomes in programs that can reduce the cost of their prescriptions.The local coalitions provide beneficiaries with free hands-onassistance in identifying and signing up for prescription drugsavings programs. A list of those local coalitions with phone numbersand other contact information is also available at http://www.AccesstoBenefits.org.

The letters from CMS and the cards are going to people who receivestate help to pay their Medicare premiums through what are known asMedicare Savings Programs (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary, SpecifiedLow-income Medicare Beneficiary, and Qualified Individual). Those inthe Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) meet the income tests to makethem eligible for the credit (those with annual incomes of less than$12,569 for individuals and $16,862 for couples).

Like other low-income beneficiaries, the MSP beneficiaries canreceive a $600 per year credit between now and the end of 2005. Anyportion of the 2004 credit that is unused at the end of 2004 can becarried over into 2005, but beneficiaries need to sign up by Dec. 31to be eligible for the credit in 2004.

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The Access to Benefits Coalition is a partnership of more than 95national non-profit organizations and 52 local coalitions dedicatedto ensuring that lower income Medicare beneficiaries know about andcan make the best use of all available resources for saving money onprescription drugs. Coalition members share a commitment to helpingMedicare beneficiaries who need the most help find the public andprivate prescription savings programs they need to maintain theirhealth and improve the quality of their lives. Chaired by TheNational Council on the Aging, it is led by a Steering Committee,comprised of leaders from AARP, Alzheimer's Association, NCOA,National Alliance for Hispanic Health and Easter Seals. For furtherinformation, visit http://www.accesstobenefits.org.

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