Seniors urged to get drug discount

A new study by a national nonpartisan organization says Utah senior citizens can save more than $1,000 in an 18-month period by using the new Medicare drug discount card.

Initiated by the Healthcare Leadership Council, a group of health care professionals, the analysis performed this month shows Utah seniors can cut drug costs by up to 32 percent if they participate in the program.

The cards are part of a package of new Medicare benefits signed into law late last year by President Bush.

Seniors and people with disabilities who are eligible for Medicare were invited this summer to enroll in the program to obtain the discounts on prescription drugs.

To get the word out, Sens. Bob Bennett and Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, hosted a town meeting, and Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, plans a similar event later this month in Carbon County.

Nationally, however, the program has become politicized and fallen under attack in the U.S. presidential race, stirring controversy that supporters say has stopped seniors from even inquiring about the card.

"There is a huge population of people who don't have any prescription drug coverage, but they are afraid to sign up for it because of the negative press it has received," said Boyd Kreeck, Medicare manager for Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Kreeck said the program is not for everyone, especially people who have good insurance plans with drug benefits.

For others, however, the card can save substantial money, especially for low-income seniors or those on a fixed income.

The Healthcare Leadership Council found, for example, that low-income seniors who qualify for the card can save an average of $1,548 over 18 months on their prescription drug bill.

The savings was determined by comparing the discount card prices posted on the www.medicare.gov Web site with average statewide retail prices for the 150 drugs most commonly prescribed to seniors.

"There is no doubt that the card is a good deal for seniors who don't have prescription drug coverage and it provides them with substantial savings," Kreeck said.

Seniors can check out the program by calling 1-800-Medicare (633-4227) or going to the government Web site. The program shows the individual discounts available based on what prescriptions are being taken.

Utah has two dozen Medicare-approved vendors such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna Health Management and United Healthcare that offer the discount cards, which Kreeck said can be used at any number of pharmacies across the state.

---

E-mail: amyjoi@desnews.com