The Medicare Discount Drug Cards: One Month In

Heritage.org ^ | 7/15/04 | Derek Hunter

[GailA]

The Medicare Discount Drug Cards: One Month In

by Derek Hunter WebMemo #538

July 15, 2004

Just over a month since its commencement, the Medicare Discount Drug Card program is already showing significant promise in lowering prescription drug costs for seniors.

Savings Estimates Continue to Mount A score of studies using data from the Medicare Discount Drug Card (MDDC) drug price database demonstrate that the program is capable of achieving its primary goal: reducing the cost of prescription drugs for seniors, especially low-income seniors.

A study by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) finds potential savings of 32 to 85 percent for low-income seniors who enroll in the MDDC and thereby receive $600 transitional assistance.[1] Low-income beneficiaries stand to save the most. CMS makes the important point that “Beneficiaries—especially low-income beneficiaries—are forgoing substantial savings by not enrolling in any of these cards now.”[2]

[GailA]

BUT, the RATS says it's a FAILURE and COSTING Seasoned Citizens MORE!

[TomGuy]

If you read the article, it is more of a PR piece than anything. It says 3.5 million seniors have enrolled. Well, AARP membership is nearly 40 million seniors.

The pill program is a boondoggle, and most seniors know the Prescription Drug cards part of it is a scam.

[Mrs. P]

Working with her pharmacist and participating in drug company programs has saved much more for my mother then any card could do. She gets four of her medications directly from the drug manufacturer in some type of assistance program, the government doesn't have anything to do with it. A nurse at her doctor's office helps her apply for this assistance.

She could save 14 dollars per year by enrolling in one of the drug card programs. The cards cost from 10 to 35 dollars or so.