Secretary Thompson Urges Family to Help Dad Save Money on His Drug Costs by phoning or going online USA
This is a press release by the HHS (American Government)
Secretary Thompson said families can help their fathers compare cards by going to the price comparison Web site at www.medicare.gov or calling 1-800 MEDICARE, then help their fathers choose a card that's right for them. Medicare has on its Web site a tip sheet for caregivers to help a loved one with Medicare compare cards and choose. The tip sheet to help people make a choice is available at http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/11071.pdf.
"Dad taught us the value of a buck," Secretary Thompson said. "This Father's Day show him that you remember his lessons by helping him save on prescription medicines with a Medicare-approved drug discount card. You may be able to help your father save 10 to 25 percent or more on the costs of his prescription drugs. If your father has a lower income, he may also be eligible for an additional $600 to help pay for his prescription medicines, a valuable benefit."
"Help your father compare cards and choose one that best meets his needs by going to www.medicare.gov or calling 1-800-MEDICARE. While you're at it, see if your mom would like some help too."
Low-income beneficiaries may also receive a credit of up to $600 each year in 2004 and 2005 to help pay for their prescriptions.
There are three simple steps in signing up for a Medicare discount drug card after calling 1-800 Medicare:
1. Know your zip code;
2. Know your drugs and dosages (having your bottles in hand can help);
3. Know your monthly income.
Once beneficiaries provide this information Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) operators will send a personalized report that includes a list of the lowest cost cards and the pharmacies where they are accepted with an application so they can make a decision about which card is best and apply directly to the card sponsor.
All Medicare beneficiaries, except those who have outpatient drug coverage through Medicaid, are eligible to enroll in a Medicare-approved drug discount card program. The card sponsors may charge an annual enrollment fee of no more than $30, though many cards have lower fees and some have no fee.
Low-income Medicare beneficiaries may qualify for the $1,200 credit over the 18-month life of the discount card program to help pay for the prescription drugs if their income in 2004 is no more than $12,569 if single or no more than $16,862 if married. There is no enrollment fee on any card for people who qualify for the credit.
Customer service representatives at 1-800-MEDICARE can answer questions about the program, help callers compare the drug cards on price and network pharmacies, and provide additional information for low-income beneficiaries on prescription drug assistance programs sponsored by their state and by drug manufacturers. The customer service representatives will mail the personalized results of the comparison to callers.
Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at http://www.hhs.gov/news.
Contact: : HHS Press Office
(202) 690-6343
Secretarul Thompson îndeamnã de familie pentru a ajuta la tata lui economisi bani pe Costuri de droguri de cãtre telefonând sau merge online, SUA - Secretary Thompson Urges Family to Help Dad Save Money on His Drug Costs by phoning or going online USA - articole medicale engleza - startsanatate