Drug card program met with confusion

Wednesday, May 5, 2004

By SUSAN M. COVER, Blethen Maine News Service

WATERVILLE — At the mere mention of the new Medicare prescription drug card, a group of senior citizens at the Edmund S. Muskie Community Center started firing questions. How much does it cost? Who qualifies? How do you sign up?

The women, who were waiting to play cards, sat in a corner of the senior center as others played Beano. One, 70-year-old Jean Houston of Waterville, said she's already tried calling the federal government's toll-free number to enroll. She hasn't gotten through yet.

"I tried to sign up," she said. "I called five times yesterday and three times today."

She and others can begin signing up for the new prescription-drug card that will give 10 to 15 percent off some prescription drugs.

Despite thousands of brochures distributed by AARP, television ads and much information available on the Internet, the new program is proving to be confusing for many.

"People are just becoming aware of this," said Stephen Jennings, director of advocacy for the Maine chapter of the AARP.

The cards can be used starting June 1 and seniors must stick with the card they choose for a year before they can switch. It's a voluntary program, and people can sign up at any time and expect to begin coverage the following month.

Last fall, Congress enacted a Medicare prescription drug law that will take effect in January 2006.

In Maine, the state Department of Human Services will announce next week which company it has chosen to provide coverage for those enrolled in the Drugs for the Elderly program. Of the 42,000 Mainers enrolled in the state program, 5,700 qualify for the low-income federal credit, said Jude Walsh, director of the DHS Division of Health Care Management. To be considered low-income, a single senior citizen can make up to $12,569 and couples can make up to $16,862.

Seniors with low incomes who need help deciding which card is best should call Maine Rx a (866) 796-2463.

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