Number: RL32828
Title: Beneficiary Information and Decision Supports for the Medicare-Endorsed Prescription Drug Discount Card
Authors: Diane Justice, Domestic Social Policy Division 
Abstract: On December 8, 2003 the President signed into law the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA, P.L. 108-173). This legislation establishes a Medicare prescription drug program, effective January 1, 2006. In the interim, the legislation requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a temporary program of Medicare-endorsed prescription drug discount cards. The program has two objectives. One is to provide access to prescription drug discounts to persons who voluntarily enroll with a private drug card sponsor. The second is to provide low-income beneficiaries with transitional assistance to pay for some of their prescription drug costs until the new Medicare prescription drug benefit becomes available in 2006. Despite concerted efforts by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), 25% of low-income persons who qualify for the program's transitional assistance have enrolled.
Pages: 28
Date: March 24, 2005