Cardinal Health initiates Medicare awareness effort in advance of healthcare-reform changes

DUBLIN, Ohio — Cardinal Health this week announced that it is kicking off an effort to encourage its retail pharmacy customers to educate their patients about new Medicare benefits and options that will be available under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act starting in 2013.

“It’s important for Medicare beneficiaries to fully understand their coverage options, and the new benefits and services that are available to them starting in 2013,” stated Jon Giacomin, president of U.S. Pharmaceutical Distribution for Cardinal Health. “Cardinal Health passionately believes that community pharmacists can play a powerful role in helping patients better manage their health — and in helping patients make more informed decisions about their health care.”

In preparation for the Medicare open enrollment period, which kicks off Oct. 15, the Department of Health and Human Services recently made available an array of materials to educate patients about new Medicare benefits — which include new preventive services, such as mammograms and annual wellness visits, as well as new prescription drug savings options.

Cardinal Health is supporting HHS’s educational campaign by promoting these educational materials among its retail pharmacy customers, including several hundred regional chain pharmacy locations and more than 7,500 independent pharmacies, nationwide.

The company also is hosting a series of webinars for its retail pharmacy customers — aimed at ensuring pharmacists and pharmacy owners are familiar with these free patient educational materials. The webinars also will reinforce the important role community pharmacists can play in ensuring patients are aware of their Medicare coverage options.

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