What prescription drug cost assistance is available for those on Medicare?

If you have Medicare or are eligible for Medicare, you can contact the following federal government Web site:

The federal government Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Web site can help you pick the right Medicare-approved prescription drug plan (Part D) based on where you live, your income, and the drugs you take. You can join a Medicare prescription drug (Part D) plan if you have Medicare Part A and/or Part B.

You may qualify for "Extra Help" if you have very limited income and assets but don't get Medicaid. If you qualify for Extra Help, you may not have to pay a premium, deductible, or co-payments for Medicare Part D. You can apply or get more information about this by calling Social Security. (If you already have Medicaid, you automatically get Extra Help and do not need to apply.)

If you're enrolled in a state pharmacy assistance program, including Medicaid, you can still get a Medicare Part D card. If you have prescription drug coverage through your current health insurance or you get discounts on your prescriptions through other programs, you should review your coverage closely to see if the Medicare drug plan will save you more money on your prescriptions.

Web site: www.maprx.info

Medicare Access for Patients Rx (MAPRx) links you to information about Medicare Part D, also called the Medicare Prescription Drug Program. It answers common questions about Medicare Part D, and has a state-by-state listing of other possible resources and programs.

Although MAPRx does not directly serve Medicare recipients, it is a good source of information from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Medicare Rights Center, Center for Medicare Advocacy, and many other organizations and agencies. Free fact sheets can be downloaded from the Web site or from related Web site links.