$450 Drug Credit Deadline Approaches: Seniors Must Apply by June 30th

Seniors and persons with disabilities can still apply for the $450 Medicare prescription drug credit, but time is running short for those who want to receive the full benefit. After June 30, eligible seniors will still receive a portion of the prescription drug credit, but those who apply before the June deadline will receive the full $450 credit for 2005.

The Medicare-approved drug discount program, created in 2003 by the Medicare Modernization Act, offers seniors two immediate drug savings options. First, Medicare-approved drug discount cards are saving seniors an average of 20% off drug costs. Second, Medicare beneficiaries who meet lower income requirements qualify for an additional $450 credit to help pay for prescriptions.

To be eligible for the $450 prescription drug credit, Medicare beneficiaries must have an individual household income less than $12,919; a married couple's household income must be less than $17,320. Assets are not counted in determining eligibility. Beneficiaries with Medicaid outpatient drug coverage are not eligible for the Medicare-Approved prescription drug discount card program.

Seniors and disabled adults interested in applying for the $450 drug credit should contact Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227) or visit their web site for an easy-to-use Medicare Card Finder at http://www.medicare.gov/ .

For information about recent Medicare changes, including new, free preventative health screenings and Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage enrollment information, seniors can contact local Medicare Today representatives at 651-225-8449.

About Medicare Today

Medicare Today is a non-profit, public advocacy group with nearly 100 national organizations representing patients, seniors, health care providers, employers and others. The coalition includes organizations such as AARP, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the National Association of Caregivers and the Healthcare Leadership Council, whose membership includes the nation's premier health care companies and institutions. The Medicare Today campaign is reaching out to senior citizens and other Medicare beneficiaries in communities throughout the nation to provide educational materials and support regarding the new benefits.

Source: Medicare Today

CONTACT: Noah Rouen, for Medicare Today, +1-651-260-9075

Web site: http://www.medicare.gov/