DHS ACL 04-03 – Medicare-Approved Prescription Drug Discount Card Program (March 1, 2004)

Informs counties that the new Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 signed into law on December 8, 2003 will provide Medicare beneficiaries discounts on prescription drugs through a discount card program with a $600 annual subsidy for certain low-income individuals and prescription drug coverage. For more information about the discount drug card program and the subsidy, go to CalMedicare.org.

The new drug coverage begins in January 2006 and is referred to as Medicare Part D. In 2006, dual eligibles (persons with Medi-Cal and Medicare) will receive their prescription drug coverage through Medicare Part D. This letter just hints at how the new Medicare drug coverage will impact Medi-Cal beneficiaries. It’s safe to say that major changes are in store for Medi-Cal beneficiaries and how they get their prescription drugs. Watch for more information and guidance on Medicare Part D for dual eligibles. [Download]