Signup for those new drug discount cards began Monday

Senior citizens across the country could start signing up for new drug discount cards Monday. <br/><br/>It's a program that's done through Medicare. It's meant as a kind of stopgap measure

Monday, May 3rd 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Senior citizens across the country could start signing up for new drug discount cards Monday.

It's a program that's done through Medicare. It's meant as a kind of stopgap measure until Medicare's own prescription drug plan takes effect in 2006.

As the News on 6's Steve Berg tells us, seniors say they can definitely use the help now.

Oscar Dlabach and his wife were two of several seniors who stopped by an information table at the Drug Warehouse at 51st and Sheridan. They were curious to learn more about the new Medicare approved plan called the Pharmacy Care Alliance and with good reason.

Even with Medicare, Oscar figures that between the two of them, they spend around $300 a month on prescription drugs. "We make it, not much real extras, but we make it." Of course it's no secret that some seniors spend hundreds more than that.

With the card that Drug Warehouse is offering, seniors can get a discount of anywhere from 10 to 40% off the maximum retail price of drugs. In general, spokespeople say most of the discount will fall in the 10 to 20% range.

There are several different companies offering cards through Medicare. But you can only choose one and whichever card you choose you have to stay with for a year. Certain cards are better suited for certain people depending on what kinds of medicines you're taking and certain cards are only accepted at certain pharmacies.

So it's important to check with your pharmacist to see which kind of card is good for you. They say some scams have already emerged, so they say it would be good to seek advice from a pharmacist you know.

Eventually, Medicare's own program will take effect in a couple of years, but Oscar says he could use the help now. "When it comes to medical bills, yes."

Many eligible seniors don't have access to a computer and they may need some help. They can call toll free 1-800-MEDICARE for more information.