The Center for Medicare & Medicaid's new web site launched on Friday, April 30, 2004 to help Medicare beneficiaries sort through information on close to 60,000 drug products and 50,000 pharmacies received negative reviews from seniors. The Los Angeles Time reports seniors who are unfamiliar with computers and some patients found that the prices posted on the Web site are not lower than those at local or mail order pharmacies. Families USA, a health care watchdog group, says that drug prices for 50 prescription drugs used most frequently by seniors rose 6 percent in 2002 - more than three times the rate of inflation that year.
Drug card sponsors feel some prices on the site were too low or too high and they don't reflect all rebates and discounts under the drug card program.
HHS spokesperson Bill Pearce encouraged beneficiaries to shop around for the best discounts this month. He said prices are expected to drop over time as sponsors rework pricing data and compete for customers.
Currently, the government has approved 72 drug cards. Medicare beneficiaries are being encouraged to choose the option that best suits their needs based on their medical conditions and the drugs they take. These beneficiaries will likely turn to you for advice about how to make that decision.
You can print out copies of the enrollment forms for patients from Medicare's Web Site. You can also point patients to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for help. Beneficiaries can get information on the drug cards available in their area by calling the agency's 1-800-MEDICARE hotline or by logging onto the program's web site http://www.medicare.gov/default.asp
The web site also offers background information on the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003. In the meantime, be prepared to answer some of the following patient questions:
Q: When do Medicare drug card discounts begin?
A: June 1, 2004
Q: How many Medicare drug cards can beneficiaries enroll in?
A: Only one card each year.
Q: How much can card issuers charge per year?
A: Card issuers can charge an annual fee of up to $30. Some cards have no fee. Different cards will offer different prices, so beneficiaries should consider their options.
Q: When are discounts applied through retail or mail-order pharmacies?
A: At the time of purchase.
Q: What sort of credit is available to low-income Medicare families using a drug card?
A: A $600-per-year credit.
Q: Can generics save money?
A: The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services information may suggest a switch to generic or brand name alternatives to save money.