U.S. Senator George Voinovich, Governor Bob Taft and Administrator Mark McClellan of the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services met on April 23rd and praised the approach of prescription drug help under Medicare, an expansion the senator said he would have backed even if he knew it would likely cost billions more than expected.
The officials attended an Ohio Department of Insurance training session for a statewide network of volunteers who will assist Medicare beneficiaries with free information and services through a speakers' bureau, individual counseling, a toll-free hotline, and web site publications.
On May 3rd enrollment began in the Medicare prescription drug discount card program. The cards, which could cost up to $30 annually, should provide eligible Ohioans with a savings of 10% to 25% on certain prescription drugs. The cards will become obsolete in 2006 when prescription drug benefits will be added to Medicare. Enrollment in that program will cost about $35 a month. Participation in both the 2004 and 2006 programs is voluntary.
Dr. McClellan, a physician who previously was Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, said the expanded Medicare program would provide more than drug benefits in 2006. Under the Medicare drug discount card program starting next month, low income seniors may qualify for a $600 credit to help pay for prescriptions. Two other Ohio programs also offer seniors and low income Ohioans discounts on prescription drugs: the existing Golden Buckeye card, and the Ohio Best Rx card set to debut in July.