Prescription drug discount cards

Starting in May of 2004, Medicare beneficiaries, except for those who have Medicaid drug coverage, will have the opportunity to enroll in a Medicare-approved Prescription Drug Card, which will help to lower their prescription drug costs. In addition, beginning in June 2004, Medicare will provide $600 in 2004 and up to an additional $600 in 2005 to Medicare beneficiaries whose incomes are not more than 135% of the poverty line. That is, $12,123 for single individuals or $16,362 for married individuals in 2003.

CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services) will provide information about the prescription drug prices offered by the approved discount card programs and other information about the Medicare-approved cards, through www.medicare.gov.

The goal with the Prescription Drug Drug Card program is to give those in need the ability to reduce their drug cost by hundreds and in some cases thousands of dollars per year. This plan is not insurance but is instead a cash discount program and guarantees significant savings on select brand name medications at over 45,000 pharmacies throughout the United States.

The links below will provide specific resources that will help you choose health insurance in your state, as well as multiple carriers offering online health insurance quotes.