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From Nov. 15 to Dec. 31, beneficiaries can change their Medicare-approved drug discount card or enroll for the first time. Patients may be asking you for help with their choices, and help is available.
The National Council on Aging offers assistance on an array of topics, including how to choose a card, at http://www.ncoa.org/content.cfm?sectionID=214.
CMS has information at http://www.medicare.gov on drug discount cards, public and private programs that offer discounted or free medications, and Medicare health plans that include prescription drug coverage. The agency also provides information on even more ways patients can reduce their prescription drug costs, such as by using generic alternatives.
More news about patient assistance programs: Many drug companies are collaborating in the Partnership for Prescription Assistance, offering helpful materials at https://www.helpingpatients.org. The program helps low-income, uninsured people get free or inexpensive medicines. The Web site has a short questionnaire patients can take to determine the best program for them.
In addition, several drug companies in the U Share Prescription Drug Discount Card program are offering copays of $10 to $30 on drugs to low-income Medicare beneficiaries for 30-day supplies. Go to http://www.usharerx.com.
FP Report is
published by the AAFP News Department.
Copyright © 2004 by American Academy of Family Physicians.