America leads the world in pushing the bounds of science to bring new prescription drugs to the market, resulting in lives saved and an increased quality of life. There are high costs involved in bringing these drugs to the open market. Part of that price tag is passed on to the consumer, which causes patients who do not have drug coverage to suffer financially. As a relief to those patients, some new programs have been established to help with the costs of prescription drugs.
The U.S. government has launched a new drug discount card that will provide immediate financial relief to seniors. This program, which took effect on June 1, allows recipients to choose a discount card program that best suits their needs. Medicare will be providing reliable and accessible information. Anyone who is enrolled in Medicare Part A or Part B and not receiving Medicare benefits is eligible for the discount drug card program. For more information or to become enrolled, you may call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or visit the Medicare website at www.medicare.gov.
HoosierRx is a state program that helps to shift the cost of prescription drugs away from low-income seniors. HoosierRx was enacted four years ago by the General Assembly and allows seniors who qualify to receive a 75 percent discount on the cost of medications. This program will be coordinated with the Medicare discount drug card to maximize savings. Low-income seniors can sign up for the HoosierRx Drug Card by calling 1-866-267-4679 or by visiting www.in.gov/HoosierRx. Local pharmacies will also have applications.
If you have any questions about either one of these programs, please contact me at 1-800-382-9467 or e-mail me at s14@in.gov.