Q. I really need prescription coverage, but can't afford the huge premiums I read about. What are my options?

A. Prescription coverage is the major concern among most Senior Medicare recipients.

Under Traditional Medicare prescription medicine is not covered at all as a benefit. However under Medicare Supplement Plans 1) Medigap or 2) Medicare + Choice, prescription coverage is available depending on the plan you select.

Under a Medigap plan you have the option of purchasing three different plans that include a prescription benefit, Plan H, I and J. A Medicare + Choice Plan (HMO), usually has Co-pays and varies with different insurance company benefits.

Other options available are Independent Discount Drug Programs offered by Pharmaceutical Companies or Private Firms. These companies offer discounts on medicine varying from 10% to as much as 40% depending on the type and cost of the medicine.

Another option becoming more common is to obtain prescriptions from other countries such as Canada, Mexico, and even Europe. However I recommend exploring all the information available about the company and the products they sell.

Usually these companies charge a monthly fee for the discount or have additional costs for shipping and handling if it is for mail order. You should factor these costs in when checking prices.

The best place to receive information on Independent Discount Drug Programs is to check with OSHIIP, Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program.

They work with seniors in providing information and assistance for a variety of services working with the State of Ohio. The Senior Hotline Number is 1-800-686-1578.