Most low-income senior citizens on Medicare in Polk County will soon be automatically eligible for prescription discounts through the Medicare Drug Discount card and qualify for an additional $1,200 in savings over the next 14 months.

The Medicare beneficiaries will receive a drug discount card in the mail next month, which they can begin to use immediately to get savings at pharmacies, the U.S. Health and Human Services Agency announced.

In addition to receiving the card, beneficiaries will also receive instructions on how to activate the $1,200 benefit by verifying by phone that they meet income guidelines and do not have other drug coverage.

“Seniors in Polk County with limited means who are struggling to pay for their medicines can save right away,” HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson said. “We’re making it automatic, so those who qualify for the $1,200 credit get it as soon as possible.”

The 1.8 million Medicare beneficiaries getting cards nationwide can activate the $1,200 additional benefit by calling the randomly selected sponsor or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. They also will have the option of choosing a different sponsor’s card. If they do choose another card, they will be automatically dis-enrolled from the randomly assigned card.

The letters will go to people who receive state help to pay Medicare premiums in what are known as Medicare Savings Programs (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary, Specified Low-income Medicare Beneficiary, and Qualifying Individual). Those in the Medicare Savings Programs meet the income tests to make them eligible for the credit.

“Seniors shouldn’t have to choose between paying for food and paying for the prescription drugs they need. Today’s medications are a critical part of maintaining the health of seniors in Polk County. The quality and length of people’s lives can be improved by medications, particularly in the areas of diabetes, hypertension and other chronic diseases,” said Dr. John Nelson, president of the American Medical Association.

The potential credit is $600 per year between now and the end of 2005. Any portion of the credit that is unused at the end of 2004 can be carried over into 2005. Beneficiaries need to sign up by Dec. 31, 2004 to be eligible for the credit.

The government is also working with Georgia Cares and other community-based organizations across the country to reach seniors and people with disabilities who are struggling with the costs of their medicines and help them enroll in the discount drug cards and the $600 credit if they qualify.