By Tim Bonfield
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Question: How will seniors get the new cards?

Answer: They have to apply directly to the sellers. On Thursday, the government Web site www.Medicare.gov plans to post details of how to contact the companies, what drugs they cover, the prices they're offering and the pharmacies in your area that honor the card.

Q: How much will the cards cost?

A: Of 28 companies listed on Medicare's Web site as planning to do business in our area, enrollment fees range from nothing to $30 a year. Most are charging $20 to $30.

Q: Are the new Medicare cards better than the drug coverage you might have from a former employer or a Medicare supplement plan?

A: No. Medicare offers this warning: "The Medicare-approved drug discount card isn't insurance. ... You shouldn't drop your current prescription drug coverage for a discount card."

Q: Are the new Medicare cards better than other discount cards?

A: In many cases, no. In Ohio, the Golden Buckeye Card offers discounts at least as strong as the federal program, doesn't charge a fee and is open to anyone age 60 and above. The Ohio Best Rx program to be launched this summer appears even better because it gives enrollees - including uninsured people of any age - the same drug deals that state employees get.

And for those who meet income rules, discount cards from some drug companies make some medications nearly free.

Seniors would be wise to ask pharmacists to check two or three cards to get the best price, Vaughn said.

Q: How will these cards help low-income seniors?

A: For individuals earning up to $12,569 and for couples who earn up to $16,862, the discount card offers a "drug credit" that provides a 90 to 95 percent discount on the first $600 in medication costs. Q: Why are these cards temporary?

A: Come 2006, the Medicare discount cards will be dumped for the full-blown Medicare prescription drug benefit.

Medicare-approved discount cards

These plans indicate they operate throughout the Tristate. Telephone numbers for enrollment details and Web sites listing covered drugs, prices and participating pharmacies is expected to be available April 29 on www.Medicare.gov or by calling (800)-MEDICARE. Card providers can charge up to $30 to enroll, but advertised fees vary.

$0 enrollment fee
• Freedom
• Precision Discounts Option A

$10 enrollment fee
• Advantra X-tra Drug Discount Program
• BD Advantage Drug Discount Card

$15 enrollment fee
• Choice

$19 enrollment fee
• Express Scripts Option A
• Pharmacy Care Alliance Option A

$20 enrollment fee
• AARP Prescription Discount Card
• Argus Rx
• Caremark Advantage All Rx Drug Discount Card Program
• Catalyst Rx Drug Discount Card
• Golden Buckeye
• Ushare
• WHI Prescription Discount Card

$25 enrollment fee
• Prescription Discount Card

$30 enrollment fee
• Aetna Rx Savings Card
• Community Care Rx
• Criterion Advantage
• Express Scripts Option B
• First Health Services Medicare Drug Discount Card
• MyPharmaCare
• PBM Plus Senior Care
• Pharmacy Care Alliance Option B
• RxSavings
• Rx Savings Mennonite Mutual Aid Association
• RxSavings Reader's Digest
• SXC Health Solutions
Source: www.Medicare.gov