 | | | SB 393: Frequently Asked Questions
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1) What is Senate Bill 393 (SB 393)? |
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SB 393 allows Medicare beneficiaries to purchase prescription drugs at Medi-Cal prices with a 15% processing fee per prescription. SB 393 covers most prescriptions. |
2) By what other name(s) is Senate Bill 393 (SB 393) known? |
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SB 393 is sometimes referred to as The California Prescription Drug Discount Program for Medicare Recipients.
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3) Is Senate Bill 393 (SB 393) available in all states? |
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No. SB 393 is a California law that only applies to Californian’s with Medicare. |
4) Who is eligible for Senate Bill 393 (SB 393)? |
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To be eligible for SB 393, you must either be a:
- Medicare beneficiary over age 65;
- Medicare beneficiary, under age 65, who is determined disabled by Social Security; or
- A person, under age 65, with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
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5) What does Senate Bill 393 (SB 393) provide and how long will it last? |
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SB 393 provides Medicare beneficiaries with access to prescription drug prices at Medi-Cal rates with a 15% processing fee per prescription. The benefits of SB 393 will last as long as an individual has Medicare. |
6) Are there any medical eligibility requirements for Senate Bill 393 (SB 393)? |
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To be eligible for SB 393, you must be a current Medicare beneficiary. |
7) Does what I have in the bank and/or what I own, such as a home or car, affect my eligibility for Senate Bill 393 (SB 393)? |
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No. There are no income or asset restrictions on using SB 393. If you have Medicare, then you are eligible to use the benefits of SB 393. |
8) How do I use Senate Bill 393 (SB 393)? |
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To use SB 393 for lower prescription drug prices follow these steps:
- Take your prescription to a pharmacy that accepts Medi-Cal;
- Tell the pharmacist, or pharmacy staff, that you’d like to receive the Medi-Cal rate for your prescription;
- Give your prescription and Medicare card to the pharmacist or pharmacy staff;
- Pay for the prescription at the Medi-Cal rate, with a 15% processing fee; and
- Ask the pharmacy to record that you have Medicare so that you will be charged the Medi-Cal rate in the future.
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9) How do I apply for Senate Bill 393 (SB 393)? |
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There is no application needed for SB 393.
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10) When can I begin using benefits from Senate Bill 393 (SB 393)? |
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You can begin using the benefit once you have a Medicare card and need a prescription filled. |
11) Can I qualify for Senate Bill 393 (SB 393) while I am eligible for other health coverage? |
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12) How do I stay enrolled/eligible in Senate Bill 393 (SB 393)? How often do I have to reapply? |
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There is no application for SB 393. To use this benefit all you need is a current Medicare card. |
13) Are there rules for immigrants to qualify for Senate Bill 393 (SB 393)? |
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Yes. To use SB 393, you must meet the residency requirements for Medicare. You must be a legal United States resident. |
14) What is the difference between Senate Bill 393 (SB 393) and Medi-Cal and Medicare coverage? |
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SB 393 allows you to receive prescriptions at the Medi-Cal rate with a 15% processing fee per prescription.
- Medicare is provided in two parts: Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance). In 2003, Medicare expanded benefits to include a voluntary Prescription Drug Discount Card or Part D. The new prescription drug program will begin in 2006.
- Medi-Cal provides a variety of health coverage programs for disabled and low-income Californians.
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15) What happens when I work while receiving benefits through Senate Bill 393 (SB 393)? |
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Work activity has no impact on your ability to use SB 393.
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16) What prescription drugs are covered under Senate Bill 393 (SB 393)? |
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17) Are over-the-counter drugs covered under Senate Bill 393 (SB 393)? |
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No. Over the counter drugs are not covered under SB 393.
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18) What else should I be aware of? |
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Although you are eligible to receive prescription drugs at Medi-Cal rates, there is a 15% processing fee for each prescription you have filled. |
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