A government form letter on upcoming changes in Medicare benefits has George Kinnard’s telephone ringing off the hook.

“People are getting this letter from the government, and it’s confusing. It reads like they’re supposed to do something, but the letter doesn’t say what to do,” said Kinnard, a counselor on Medicare and Medicaid benefits at Douglas County Senior Services, 745 Vt.

“I’ve had lots of calls,” he said. “I suspect I’ll be getting a lot more.”

The letter from U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson is meant to let people over age 65 know they’ll soon be able to buy prescription-drug discount cards and that an expanded benefits package will be available in 2005.

The discount cards are a precursor to Medicare offering prescription drug coverage in 2006.

“The letter doesn’t have a lot of detail, which, of course, is what people want to know,” Kinnard said.

Here, he said, is what most callers want to know:

• At least 106 companies have indicated an interest in issuing the discount cards. As yet, none has been approved. At least two discount cards will be available in Kansas.


George Kinnard, of Douglas County Senior Services, has been deluged with calls recently about a confusing letter from U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson.

“There could be more,” Kinnard said. “It’ll be somewhere between two and 106.”

• Plans call for the cards to be for sale in May. They’re expected to cost about $30. The discounts will take effect in June. Most will be for about 10 percent.
• Card buyers will not be allowed to jump from plan to plan.

“If you buy a card in 2004, you’re locked in for the rest of 2004,” Kinnard said. “You’ll be able to switch in 2005, but you’re locked in with that card for the rest of 2005.”

The cards will be good until Jan. 1, 2006, after which the Medicare benefits take over.

• People on Medicaid will not be eligible for — and should not buy — a discount card.
• No two companies will offer the same plan. Discounts, drugs covered and participating pharmacies will vary.

“The important thing here is not to go with the first plan that’s advertised,” Kinnard said. “You’re going to need do some shopping. A lot is going to depend on the drugs you need and how attached you are to your pharmacist.

“I’m telling everybody, ‘Do not be in a hurry,'” he said. “You want to make sure the card you go with is right for you. There is no rush.”

By April 1, Medicare’s Web site is supposed to have a link that will help seniors sort through the different plans.

“People can always call me at the Senior Services Center,” Kinnard said. “I’m here to help.”

Help also is available by calling the nonprofit Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas, (800) 860-5260.