When will the Medicare-approved drug discount card program begin?
• Medicare beneficiaries may begin signing up for cards starting May 3, 2004. Enroll at H-E-B today! • They may begin using their cards in June 2004. • This is a temporary program and will end in early 2006 when the comprehensive Medicare drug benefit begins. How do I know if I am eligible for a Medicare-approved drug discount card? • If you currently are entitled to benefits under Medicare Part A and Part B, and you are not receiving drug benefits under Medicaid, then you are eligible. • If you do not have another outpatient drug insurance coverage or have coverage with Texas Medicaid. Is there extra assistance for low-income patients? Some consumers are eligible for a $600 credit in 2004 for prescription drug costs. If your income is no more than 135 percent of the poverty line ($12,569 for an individual; $16,862 for a married couple) and you do not have prescription drug coverage from Medicaid, the Department of Defense’s TRICARE program, the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program
