Study estimates savings with Medicare drug discount cards

The average Medicare beneficiary could save $117 a year by using one of the new prescription drug discount cards, according to a study published today on the web site of Health Affairs.

Seniors without any other drug coverage could save an average of 17.4 percent -- or $1 billion a year total. The study, by a Harvard University health policy doctoral candidate and two colleagues, was commissioned by the Kaiser Family Foundation.

The private companies offering the cards will start enrolling seniors next month. Watch this blog for continuing coverage of this issue.