Deadline Approaching for Prescription Drug Savings

by Maria Langlais

Time is running out to receive a $600 prescription drug credit through Medicare for 2004.

November 30 is the deadline to apply for the $600 benefit. If you sign up before this years deadline, your unused credits will be rolled over and added to the $600 credit for 2005, which will total $1,200. Dont miss the opportunity to receive this years extra benefit.

To determine if you are eligible, contact the Pharmacy Connections Advocates at Senior Information & Assistance: 1-888-4elders (1-888-435-3377). 

You can also use the on-line Benefits CheckUP RX Tool to receive a confidential, personalized report of public and private programs that can help you save money on some or all of your prescription drugs. Go to www.benefitscheckup.org and select the button labeled "Benefits CheckUpRX," or click here for direct access to the prescription drug section.

General Eligibility Guidelines for the $600 Credit

• You must be enrolled in Medicare and have your red, white and blue Medicare card.
  
• You must have an annual income of no more that $12,569 if you are single or $16,862 if you are married. Other assets such as your house or money in the bank do not count.
  
• You must not already have prescription drug assistance from Medicaid, your employer, FEHBP (the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program) or TRICARE for Life (health insurance for military retirees).

If you don't think that you'll qualify for the $600 credit, both the Pharmacy Connections Advocates and the Benefits CheckUpRX will help you find out which programs you do qualify for.  They can also help you enroll in the programs that will help you save the most money on your prescription drugs.