AARP is pleased that leaders of the drug store industry recognize that our nation's seniors desperately need help in order to make their prescription drugs more affordable. If drug manufacturers decide to participate in the "Pharmacy Care One Card" being offered by the National Alliance of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS), it could be helpful to low-income seniors.

The "One Card" concept is simpler than carrying a number of discount cards from individual manufacturers. However, this program is not a substitute for a Medicare drug benefit or the administration's discount card, both of which would cover all Medicare beneficiaries. This is a critical factor since those of all incomes are struggling to pay for the drugs they need.