FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                           CONTACT:  Scott Parkin

October 20, 2004                                                                                                                     (202) 479-6975   scott.parkin@ncoa.org

Prescription Savings Are Just a Phone Call Away

for Medicare Beneficiaries with Low Incomes

Thanks to the efforts of the 96-member Access to Benefits Coalition (ABC), over the next two weeks, more than 1.1 million low-income seniors and younger persons with disabilities nationwide will receive an “Important Message from Medicare” in the mail containing a Medicare-approved drug discount card

“This initiative has the potential to get much needed help to the people who need it the most,” said James Firman , ABC chair and president and CEO of The National Council on the Aging, “The national non-profit members of ABC as well as the members of its 52 local and State coalitions will work to encourage as many recipients as possible to take advantage of this important assistance.”

ABC is strongly urging those who receive this mailing to call 1-800-Medicare or the card sponsor's toll-free number in order to activate the card and make sure they can take advantage of a $600 credit this year and next.

However, they should not stop there.

“Four out of five people who are eligible for the $600 annual credit are also eligible for additional savings through other state and private company programs.” Firman noted. The best way to find out which combination of programs will save you the most is to use ABC's BenefitsCheckUpRx tool available at www.AccesstoBenefits.org . If you have Internet access, you can use the tool yourself or for a loved one. If not, seek help from a local Access to Benefits Coalition.”

There are 52 local Access to Benefits Coalitions in 34 states working to educate and enroll Medicare beneficiaries with lower incomes in programs that can reduce the cost of their prescriptions. The local coalitions provide beneficiaries with free hands-on assistance in identifying and signing up for prescription drug savings programs. A list of those local coalitions with phone numbers and other contact info rmation is also available at www.AccesstoBenefits.org .

The letters from CMS and the cards are going to people who receive state help to pay their Medicare premiums through what are known as Medicare Savings Programs (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary, Specified Low-income Medicare Beneficiary, and Qualified Individual). Those in the Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) meet the income tests to make them eligible for the credit (those with annual incomes of less than $12,569 for individuals and $16,862 for couples).

Like other low-income beneficiaries, the MSP beneficiaries can receive a $600 per year credit between now and the end of 2005. Any portion of the 2004 credit that is unused at the end of 2004 can be carried over into 2005, but beneficiaries need to sign up by Dec. 31 st to be eligible for the credit in 2004.

About ABC

  The Access to Benefits Coalition is a partnership of more than 95 national non-profit organizations and 52 local coalitions dedicated to ensuring that lower income Medicare beneficiaries know about and can make the best use of all available resources for saving money on prescription drugs. Coalition members share a commitment to helping Medicare beneficiaries who need the most help find the public and private prescription savings programs they need to maintain their health and improve the quality of their lives. Chaired by The National Council on the Aging, it is led by a Steering Committee, comprised of leaders from AARP, Alzheimer's Association, NCOA, National Alliance for Hispanic Health and Easter Seals. For further info rmation, visit www.accesstobenefits.org.

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