SENIORS DRUG DISCOUNT CARDS CAN BE CONFUSING - Over 40 Offered In WV

(04/25/2004)

West Virginia's seniors are being told to be cautious about rushing into purchasing a Medicare prescription drug card which is suppose to offer them discounts on prescription drugs. Over 40 such cards are now available from different insurance or pharmacy programs are being offered related to the Bush administrations plan to help seniors obtain less costly drugs. "We're telling people to wait and shop and take their time," said Monique Scott, a Medicare specialist from Philadelphia. The cards are being provided as part of the privatization of Medicare and differ depending on where someone lives, what medications are needed, how much and how often they are needed. The many variables can be very confusing. The discount cards cost up to $30 annually. They are a temporary measure until prescription drug insurance under Medicare officially begins in 2006. There is no deadline on purchasing the discount card, but once it is chosen it could be difficult to change for a period of time. Beneficiaries can opt to not have a card at all.

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