Starting in early May, beneficiaries can begin enrolling in a Medicare-endorsed drug discount card program to gain some price relief until the full Rx benefit gets going in 2006. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is enjoying some healthy interest in the cards - right now they are reviewing applications from 106 would-be sponsors.
Two types of cards are in the works: one for any beneficiary residing in the service area covered by the card, and another for Medicare Advantage (formerly Medicare+Choice) enrollees. The cards will be available in early June.