Last time we talked about some of the important information concerning the Medicare-Approved Drug Discount Card. We will continue this week.

There is confusion about these cards, but Eastern Agency is here to help sort it all out for you. If you are unsure what action to take and which card to get, we recommend that you wait. Get all the facts before signing up for any program. Consumers can begin using the cards in June, but again, there is no deadline for signing up and there is no need to hurry.

There may be unscrupulous people who will try to pressure you into choosing their card. If you are contacted by phone or by someone going door-to-door, do not be taken in. This form of solicitation for these cards is not permitted.

Here are answers to more frequently asked questions:

Q. What if I have the Low Cost Drugs for the Elderly or Disabled (DEL) benefit or Maine Rx Plus?

A. If you have DEL, you most likely received a letter from the Maine Department of Human Services suggesting you do nothing. At this time, DHS is working to find one company that will offer the best discount card for all members of the DEL program. Watch your mail for the official announcement of Maine’s DEL Preferred Medicare Drug Discount Card sponsor. If you have only the Maine Rx Plus plan, you can still sign up for a drug card that best suits your individual situation.

Q. How can I compare the different cards to see which one is right for me?

A. If you have a computer with Internet access, you can log on www.medicare.gov. This Web site has a card comparison tool. The tool will show each card’s list of discounted drugs and the amount of the discount for those drugs. If you take a variety of prescriptions, be patient – it may take some time to compare since each card could offer different discounts on each of the different drugs. Our Community Service Consultants can help you with the card comparison process whether you have access to a computer, the Internet or neither.

How many cards are there to choose from?

A. There are more than 35 Medicare-approved cards in Maine. Again, carefully review your prescriptions and the cards so you can make an informed decision about which one is best for you.

Q. Can my application be rejected?

A. There are only three reasons you could be rejected: You have MaineCare (Medicaid) drug coverage; you already have a Medicare discount drug card; or you are not eligible for Medicare.

Q. Can I use my drug card at any pharmacy?

A. No. Each card will only work at certain pharmacies, so check before you decide on a card.

Q. Can the list of drugs that are discounted by my card change?

A. Yes. A company can change its discount drug list and the discounted prices any time. To stay informed, you may need to stay in touch with the card company, especially since the company is not required to notify you of any changes. They will, however, give you information about, and changes to, the company’s discount drug list if you ask. Each company will have a toll-free telephone number for you to call with questions and will also post the changes on its Web site (if it has one).

This is just an overview, and you may have questions left unanswered. If this is the case, please call us. We realize the drug discount card may be confusing, so please don’t hesitate to contact us. We will help you make your best informed choice.

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information on EAA, call 941-2865, log on www.eaaa.org, or e-mail us at info@eaaa.org.