There are changes afoot in the Low-Cost Drugs for the Elderly program, and as always, Eastern Agency on Aging wants to keep you informed of all the latest news regarding benefits. While it may seem confusing, help is just a phone call away at EAA. When the dust settles, the change will benefit a lot of people and help them save money.

“These changes can mean some major savings for consumers and make it much easier for them to get their prescriptions at a reduced rate,” said Stacie Sparkman, Medicare part D specialist at Eastern Agency on Aging.

Here is a list of the changes and what you can do to take advantage of the savings.

. The Low Cost Drug Card or DEL. For many years this state program has given income-eligible individuals an 80 percent discount on many of their daily medications. This program does not have an asset test, which means that the state won’t ask what you have in your bank accounts, retirement funds, stock, bonds or IRAs. The only consideration is your monthly income.

. The Medicare Savings Plan. This program has savings in two different areas. If your income is less than $1,650 per month for a single person – $2,211 per month for a married couple – you may qualify for a Medicare Savings program, which first covers your part B premium, currently $93.50 per person, and secondly will give you full drug subsidies for part D. You will simply pay a small co-pay less than $5.35 per prescription. This program does not have an asset test either. Only your income is considered.

Now, for the big changes.

“If you have been a member of the Low Cost Drug or the Medicare Savings Program over the past year, you probably received a letter from the state of Maine telling you about your new benefits,” said Sparkman. “All Low Cost Drug Card members were moved into the Medicare Savings Plan for much greater savings. This change was automatic and the individual doesn’t have to do anything but read their mail.

“A second letter is due to be mailed during the last two weeks of April, which will outline when the extra money might show up in Social Security checks as well as when the pharmacy should recognize all of the new co-payments,” she added.

If you have received these letters please save them, as it will help the staff at Eastern Agency figure out how the changes directly affect you. While we are talking about saving things, it is always good practice to save your receipts. If you ever need to go back to the pharmacy for a price correction, it is vital to have the original cash register receipts.

If you got a letter in the mail and have any questions, please call the Eastern Agency on Aging. We are closely following the situation and can help explain the changes to you.

If you don’t have one of these programs and think you qualify, also give us a call.

“We are excited to see how many individuals and families we can find and help sign up for these programs,” said Sparkman. “And remember, you are not alone. We are available and ready to answer any and all questions surrounding this issue. But again, please save all your letters and receipts and bring them with you if you come visit us. And if you have a home visit from an EAA consultant, have your letters and receipts handy. It makes our jobs a lot easier when we have your paperwork in front of us.”

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information on EAA, call 941-2865, toll-free (800) 432-7812, e-mail info@eaaa.org, or visit www.eaaa.org. TTY 992-0150.