Reprinted from the Health District's quarterly publication mailed to district residents (Summer 2004)

Medicare recipients with low incomes can still use the Health District’s prescription assistance program and can even get help selecting a drug discount card that best meets their needs. But they will need to use up their $600 prescription credit before receiving some forms of assistance, a policy that will enable the Health District to stretch its prescription assistance dollars even further.

The Health District’s prescription assistance programs helps lower income residents of all ages obtain medications they need to stay healthy. The program provides clients with vouchers that, in combination with a required co-payment, are used to purchase prescriptions at area pharmacies. The Health District also helps people apply for drug company programs that offer free and discounted medications.

Last year the prescription assistance program helped 1,367 local residents, who were unable to afford their medications through any other means.

Approximately 21 percent of the clients served by the prescription assistance program are Medicare recipients with incomes below 135 percent of the federal poverty level, a group that automatically qualifies for a $600 credit on their new drug discount card.

Beginning this summer, prescription assistance staff will offer to meet with these clients to help them choose a drug discount card that provides the best benefits based on the medications they are taking. After receiving their card, clients can continue to get assistance applying for drug company programs, but they will need to use all of their prescription credit before they can become eligible for Health District-issued vouchers.

Many lower income adults with Medicare will still need assistance, says Health District prescription assistance coordinator Laura Hannity, since drug cards only offer discounts of 10 percent to 25 percent.

“People who have chronic needs for multiple medications may still face enormous expenses,” she says.