LEWISTON – There is still time for those who qualify to apply for a Medicare-approved drug discount card and receive the full $1,200 prescription drug credit. Those who sign up before Dec. 31 will receive a $600 credit for 2004 and another $600 credit for 2005. Any unspent portion of the 2004 credit will be rolled over for use in 2005.

Most Medicare beneficiaries qualify for the Medicare-approved drug discount card. People receiving Medicare who have an annual income of less than $12,569 (or $16,862 for a married couple) also are eligible for the full $1,200 transition credit, but only if they enroll before Dec. 31.

Many low-income beneficiaries also will qualify for large additional discounts provided by pharmaceutical manufacturers on more than 200 brand-name drugs.

In order to help seniors in Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties take advantage of the savings and to help them choose a card, Seniors-Plus staff is available to provide consultation either by phone at 795-4010, toll-free at 1-800-427-1241 or in the office at 8 Falcon Rd. during regular business hours.

In addition, SeniorsPlus will conduct an informational session at the Danville Junction Grange Hall, Auburn, from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Dec. 28.

Since June 2004, nearly 6 million people with Medicare have enrolled in a drug discount card and more than 1.5 million have received the transition credit nationwide. The cards cover virtually all of the top 100 drugs and typically more than 80 percent of all prescription drugs. On average, beneficiaries are getting discounts of up to 21 percent below the average price paid by all Americans on brand name drugs.

A new online enrollment center can help Medicare beneficiaries enroll in a discount card that best fits their individual needs at www.medicare.gov. In addition, they can enroll in the card of their choice by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. Completed enrollment forms are transmitted directly to the selected sponsor for prompt processing.

SeniorsPlus, the local area agency on aging, serves Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties. For more information and local assistance in enrolling in the Medicare-approved drug discount card or transition assistance or any other SeniorsPlus services, contact SeniorsPlus at 795-4010 or 1-800-427-1241.