Medicare and MediMed in Puerto
Rico:
Your Questions Answered
Max J. Trujillo, AARP’s Puerto Rico Associate
State Director, explains how Medicare’s new prescription drug
benefit will be implemented in the island commonwealth.
Fall 2004
We are all aware that major advances in medicine and prescription
drugs are keeping us healthier and living longer. However, the costs
of these life-saving drugs are rising every year. The Medicare Modernization
Act was signed into law in December 2003. This law is a good first
step in addressing one of the most serious problems facing older adults:
the high cost of prescription drugs.
While AARP understands that we are still a long way from achieving prescription
medication at reasonable prices, we believe this law is an important
step toward improving the quality of life and health in Puerto Rico as
well as the mainland United States.
How will this law be implemented in Puerto Rico?
The implementation of this new law has begun and its full implementation
has been divided in two phases. The first phase, which began in June
of this year and will end December 31, 2005, offers residents of Puerto
Rico two Medicare-approved discount card options and a special debit
card for low-income Medicare beneficiaries, known as MediMed.
The reason for the short life of this phase is because this is a transitional
program leading to the second phase, a permanent Medicare prescription
drug benefit to be known as Part D, which will be in place by January
2006. (More information on the second phase will be in an upcoming
issue.)
How do I participate in the first phase,
which offers prescription drug discount cards?
From now until December 31, 2005, all Medicare beneficiaries can purchase
a discount card for about $30. This card lets you buy prescription
drugs at a 15 percent to 25 percent discount. Purchase of the card
is entirely optional and no beneficiary will be required to buy it.
Where can I buy a discount card?
In Puerto Rico, the discount card may be
purchased through RxSavings and Walgreens Health Initiatives. These
two companies are the only ones that can exclusively carry the label
authorized by Medicare and sell the discount card in Puerto Rico.
What is MediMed about?
The new Medicare law allocates $33.5 million for a special fund to
be managed by the Puerto Rican government. Through this fund a prescription
drug debit-card program was established, and the Puerto Rican government
will distribute the funds via the MediMed card.
What is the MediMed card?
The MediMed card
is for low-income Medicare beneficiaries not covered by Reforma, the
Puerto Rican government’s
health insurance plan, and not belonging to any other plan that covers
prescription drug medication. This card is different from the Medicare-approved
discount card. The MediMed card is a debit card. Each card has a
credit equal to $150 per quarter and may only be used to buy prescription
drugs. Any money not used at the end of each quarter cannot be used
the following quarter.
Who is eligible for a MediMed card?
The
Puerto Rican government estimates that about 60,000 Medicare beneficiaries
are eligible for a MediMed card. To qualify for a MediMed card, your
monthly income may not exceed $931 for an individual or $1,249 for
a married couple. Your local Oficina del Programa de Asistencia Médica
of the Puerto Rican Department of Health will determine your eligibility.
To apply, you must present proof of income and proof of Medicare coverage
(for example, your Medicare card). Also remember that to be eligible
for the MediMed card, you cannot have any other prescription drug coverage
by another plan.
However, if you have a MediMed card, you may still buy a Medicare
discount card.
If you participate in the Reforma program or other
private prescription drug plan, you are not eligible for the MediMed
card. But you may purchase a Medicare discount card.
| Here are the steps to
follow to obtain your MediMed card: |
1 |
Visit your local Medicaid office (Oficina
del Programa de Asistencia Médica) to apply for
your MediMed card. |
2 |
Take the following documents with you:
- A valid ID (driver’s license, electoral
card, etc.).
- A document showing that you are a Medicare
beneficiary.
- A document showing your income.
|
3 |
Fill out the card application form. |
4 |
Once you are notified that you have been
approved, pick up your card at the Oficina del Programa de
Asistencia Médica of the Department of Health. |
5 |
To ensure that you receive the allowable
discount, always present your card when purchasing medication
at participating pharmacies. |
| Remember… |
- Buying a Medicare discount card is optional.
|
- MediMed card users may also buy and use
a Medicare discount card.
|
- Medicare beneficiaries who have discount
cards with other drug companies may also buy the new Medicare
discount card. Always compare the discounts each card offers
before deciding which one to buy.
|
- For information, visit Walgreens
Health Initiatives online or call toll-free at 800-504-3769.
RxSavings can be reached toll-free at 866-216-5777. Both offer
service in Spanish. The cards cost between $20 to $30 a year.
|
- For information on the Medicare discount
card, visit the official
Medicare website or call 800-633-4227; service is also available
in Spanish.
|
- When calling the above numbers, make sure
to tell the operator that you need information specifically applicable
to Puerto Rico. The law is implemented differently in Puerto
Rico.
|
- If you think you qualify for a MediMed
card, apply now! For information on MediMed, you may visit Puerto
Rico’s Department of Health website or call the Governor’s
Office for Elderly Affairs toll-free at 877-725-4300; or not
toll-free, 787-725-4300, or 787-833-2021.
|
- Double-check all information you receive
with the appropriate pharmacies and government offices. Don’t
let the opportunity to benefit from these discounts pass you
by!
|
- Be well informed about the benefits
of each card. Protect your pocketbook by researching the
available discounts and buying the cards that offer the best
discounts on the medications you purchase. You can compare
the discounts offered by Medicare-approved cards online at
the official
Medicare website.
|
These links are provided for informational
purposes only. AARP does not endorse, and has no control over,
or responsibility for, the linked sites or the content, advertisements,
materials, products, or services available on or throughout these
sites.
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