Significant progress in the enrollment of beneficiaries in the Medicare drug discount card program

Acknowledging industry efforts, Karen Ignagni, AHIP President and CEO, said that AHIP's member companies "are empowering millions of Medicare beneficiaries by providing them with this new resource to help them save on the costs of their prescription drugs."

Citing estimates by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that more than 2.3 million Medicare Advantage beneficiaries have already received the voluntary prescription drug card, and noting that more than 70 private-sector entities are participating in the program, Ignagni said that there is clear evidence that private health insurance plans are committed to the success of the program.

Ignagni said she is "confident that a strong public-private partnership will enable the Medicare-endorsed Prescription Drug Discount Card Program to fulfill its potential to provide beneficiaries with more affordable prescription drugs over the next 19 months and lay the groundwork for the Medicare prescription drug benefit that will become available in 2006."

Ignagni also said low-income beneficiaries, many of whom are enrolled in the Medicare Advantage program, may also receive up to $1200 over the duration of the program in direct subsidies from the federal government to help pay for much-needed prescription drugs.

In addition to mailing to beneficiaries general information about the drug discount card program and enrollment forms for the transitional assistance program, Ignagni's testimony outlined that AHIP member companies continue to reach out to beneficiaries and educate them about the new program and have offered many resources for seniors with questions. AHIP member companies are also holding community meetings and sending targeted mailings to inform low- income seniors about the benefit, Ignagni said.

To view the testimony please visit http://www.aahp.org/redirect/AHIP_testimony (PDF FILE)