Expect line today at drugstores

[shugah]

Expect line today at drugstores

Pharmacy staffs prepare for a Medicare influx

January 3, 2006
BY KATIE MERX
FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER

Don't forget your patience if you plan to fill a prescription today with the new Medicare drug benefit.

Pharmacists expect to be inundated with Medicare beneficiaries anxious to take advantage of the new prescription drug benefit that took effect Jan. 1.

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The biggest test of the new system is likely to come today.

Not only is it the first regular business day of the new year, said Michael Stein, pharmacy manager at Professional Village Pharmacy in Monroe, but many people receive their Social Security checks on the third day of the month.

"We're hoping there's not an onslaught," Stein said.

Enrollment started Nov. 15 and continues through May 15 without penalty. After May 15, enrollees will pay a higher cost for the program. Benefits for those already enrolled started Jan. 1.

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2005601030326