Prescription Drug Coverage Helps Some Seniors

Senior citizens are making significant decisions in their lives. Mrs B called and said "I only take my medication every other day because I can't afford all of them". After counseling her about the efficacy of this decision, Mrs B said "I know what I am doing".

Although I must say I didn't believe her, I quickly began to realize her problem was not much different than the problem faced by Mrs. C who called and said due to her HMO placing a limit on her prescription drugs, she is now faced with $1600 per month pharmacy bills on a monthly income of only $1200. And then Mrs D called to say she was just released from the hospital and her co-payments were going to be over $100 for three drugs and the other drug was going to cost her $150.

Seniors are struggling with how to pay for the cost of prescription drugs in the wake of a lack of federal policy, but easy answers are not available.

To help with this problem, Together Rx, a consortium of eight pharmaceutical companies are leading the way. These pharmaceutical companies are offering their products to Medicare beneficiaries at discounts that are between 25 and 40% off of the retail price. To apply for your Together Rx card, call 1-800-865-7211 or visit www.together-rx.com. Persons whose annual net income is below $28,000 for an individual ($38,000 for couples) are eligible. Persons can not be receiving prescription drugs through another health insurance or Medicaid.

Lilly is offering their pharmaceuticals to Medicare beneficiaries for a flat fee of $12 per prescription for a 30-day supply if the individual’s gross income is $18,000 for a single persons ($24,000 for a couple). To apply for a LillyAnswers Card, contact Senior Answers and Services at 303-333-3482 for an application.

Pfizer is also offering their pharmaceuticals to Medicare beneficiaries for a flat fee of $15 per prescription for a 30-da6 supply if the individual’s gross income is $18,000 for a single person ($24, 000 for a couple). To apply for the Share Card, call 1-800-717-6005 or www.pfizerforliving.com.

For $7.95 per person per year, Albertson's is leading the way in offering the Silver Rx discount card for seniors sixty plus. Individuals receive a 2-35% discount on every purchase. Check with your local Albertson's or call 1-800-770-8014 to apply. To find a location near you, visit www.albertsons.com

Non-profit organizations such as AARP, Senior Friends, Centura Senior Selections, Lutheran Medical Center, University Seniors Association, the Aspen Club, and others have negotiated discounts with mail order and/or retail pharmacies. Discounts and programs vary by program.

Veterans may be able to obtain assistance through the Veterans Administration Hospital and Outpatient Clinics. Individuals may be able to become patients of the VA and receive a discount on prescriptions. TO see if you are eligible for services through the VA, complete the eligibility form at www.va.gov

Similarly, individuals may also want to become patients of University Hospital at www.uch.edu or Denver Health Medical Center by calling 303-436-6000 or visiting Denver Medical Center. These programs have a cap on the amount of out-of-pocket for prescriptions.

Another option for people is to purchase plans that offer a discount such as those offered by Banker's Life Insurance or Group Medical Marketing. These plans offer up to 30% discount on the retail prices with an annual premium.

Military retirees and their spouse are the clear winners this year. Through TRICARE Rx, they can receive all of their medications free at a military hospital or for $3 for generics and $9 for name brands from other pharmacies. To register with the DEERS system, call 1-877-363-6337.

Individuals who receive Medicaid will continue to receive their prescription drugs for 75 cents for generics and $3 for name brands, although discussions are underway to look at possible changes for this benefit for low income individuals.

HMOs continue offering a variety of prescription drug benefits to individuals, depending upon the coverage they select. Similarly, Medicare supplements H, I, and J also offer some prescription drug coverage for individuals who medically qualify.

For a listing of these benefits, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to Senior Answers and Services, 3006 East Colfax, Denver 80206 or call 303-333-3482.