In an effort to enroll Medicare beneficiaries quickly in the new Medicare discount drug card program, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is considering working with states that have pharmaceutical assistance programs for seniors to possibly enroll participants automatically.

CMS is also looking into ways to get beneficiaries enrolled in the new low-income assistance program. Beneficiaries who meet income and other eligibility standards receive $600 in drug assistance on their cards in both 2004 and 2005.

No final decision has been made yet, however, on the auto enrollment and the interaction with state programs. CMS has said that there are legal issues involved with coordinating between federal and state laws.

The Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (Public Law No. 108-173), which created the program was signed by the president in December 2003. On March 25 the Department of Health and Human Services approved 71 sponsors to offer the drug discount cards. Beneficiaries will be able to enroll in the program in May and begin using the card in June.