Government
Medicare streamlines drug card enrollment
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted May 3, 2004
Medicare is trying to make it as easy as possible for seniors to sign up for the drug discount cards that take effect in June. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will allow state pharmacy assistance programs in certain situations to enroll low-income beneficiaries automatically. The drug cards include $600 in benefits for low-income beneficiaries and are expected to provide up to 25% savings on drug costs.
CMS also plans to issue a standard enrollment form that will be accepted by all Medicare-approved drug cards. The form will make it easier for community-based organizations, health professionals and consumer groups to help beneficiaries with enrollment.
"Medicare has made it easier for physicians to help our senior patients enroll in the drug card program by streamlining the process through a standard form," said John C. Nelson, MD, president-elect of the American Medical Association. "This important step will reduce the chance for confusion and error as community outreach workers assist seniors with enrollment."
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2004/05/03/gvbf0503.htm.
