Weather | Sports | Forums | Comics | Classifieds | Calendar | Movies
7. Understand the limitations. If you're in a state Medicaid program with drug coverage, you cannot get a discount card. And if you have drug coverage from an employer or the federal government, you can't take advantage of the card's low-income features.
1. Shop around. Make a list of all the medicines you take along with the cost of each one. Pharmacy chains, groups such as AARP and other private organizations and companies sell the cards, and the discounts they offer vary. Opt for the card that offers the best discounts on your most expensive medicines.
2. Worksheets are available online. To make it easier for you to compare drug costs from card to card, AARP's magazine offers a helpful worksheet at its Web site (assets.aarp.org/www.aarpmagazine.org_/promotions/discount_card.pdf)
3. Caution: Prices are subject to change. Your card provider may change specific prices and discounts for drugs frequently, so it's up to you to monitor the situation to make sure you're getting the best possible deal.
4. Changing cards isn't so easy. Be aware that you can switch Medicare drug discount cards only during a six-week open-enrollment period at the end of the year.
5. Already have a card? If you've had a different drug discount card for some time, you can keep that card and also obtain one Medicare-approved discount card. Simply use the card that offers you the best deal.
8. Don't get scammed. Con artists have been selling fake cards across the country. It's illegal to sell any Medicare product over the phone or door to door, so just say no to any salesperson who approaches you in those ways.
9. Make sure the card you buy is the real deal. Your card should carry a "Medicare-approved" seal. To verify that it's legitimate, check the government's Web site (www.medicare.gov) or call toll-free 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
10. Know where to turn. If you would like to be sent a Guide to Choosing a Medicare-Approved Drug Discount Card, or if you think you are the victim of fraud and you want to report it, call toll-free 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
Sources: AARP (www.aarp.org) Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (www.cms.hhs.gov) Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org) Consumer Reports (www.consumerreports.org)