Medicare Compliance & Reimbursement

Company-sponsored cards will ease waiting time for the DIMA drug benefit.

It looks like your patients could soon have access to prescription drug discount cards.

Starting in early May, beneficiaries can begin enrolling in a Medicare-endorsed drug discount card program to gain some price relief until the full Rx benefit gets going in 2006. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is enjoying some healthy interest in the cards - right now they are reviewing applications from 106 would-be sponsors.

"We are excited by the number of companies and organizations who have come forward to help beneficiaries buy their prescription drugs at lower costs," says CMS acting administrator Dennis Smith. "The robust level of interest from potential card sponsors demonstrates commitment for a program that will enable beneficiaries who need these cards to begin saving on the cost of their medicines in a few short months."

Two types of cards are in the works - one for any beneficiary residing in the service area covered by the card, and another for Medicare Advantage (formerly Medicare+Choice) enrollees.

The cards will be available in early June.

Lesson Learned:  Make sure your patients are aware of the Medicare-approved drug discount card program slated to begin in a few months.