Feb. 17, 2006 - A free, step-by-step guide that helps senior citizens and other Medicare beneficiaries with chronic or complex medical conditions find a Medicare prescription drug plan is now available. The online guide is the brainchild of Medicare Access for Patients-Rx, (MAPRx), a coalition formed by patient advocate, family caregiver and health professional organizations.

RxCompare features worksheets that help beneficiaries find plans that best cover all their drugs, and it makes it easier for them to compile and compare details about cost.

Some two-thirds of Medicare's 42 million beneficiaries have at least two or more chronic conditions, according to statistics put out by the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Among beneficiaries likely to suffer from chronic and/or complex medical conditions are those eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. These "dual-eligible" individuals were auto- enrolled in Medicare prescription drug plans on January 1. RxCompare(tm) can also be used by these beneficiaries to determine if the plan to which they were assigned is appropriate or if other plans better meet their health needs and budget.

RxCompare(tm) works in tandem with Medicare's on-line Drug Plan Finder and can be used in conjunction with calling Medicare customer service representatives at 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227).

The guide is available in PDF format for downloading at http://www.maprx.info/ .

A recent study by the National Health Council found that Medicare beneficiaries with chronic conditions can save, on average, between $400 and $1,774 annually under the new Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit. RxCompare(tm) helps these beneficiaries identify prescription drug plans that bring maximum savings. Open enrollment for the benefit continues through May 15.

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