News Releases for January 2003
January 29, 2003
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Hoeven Supports Legislature's Pharmaceutical Prescription Drug Program
Governor Calls for Continued Support of Healthy SeniorsRx
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven today said he wants to work with the Legislature on their Pharmaceutical Prescription Drug Access program, but wants them also to support Healthy SeniorsRx, his plan to provide a comprehensive prescription drug benefit for low-income seniors.
“We need to reduce the cost burden of prescription drugs for our seniors,” Hoeven said. “We’ve looked at the industry programs, and they will provide some help.”
According to Hoeven, the Legislature’s pharmaceutical prescription proposal is a good start, and will provide name-brand drugs that fall within the pharmaceutical programs.
Under the pharmaceutical industry program, individuals can obtain some brand name drugs either free or at a discount. Under a similar program in South Dakota the total benefit to citizens is about $2.3 million annually. Applications are made to each individual program, and prescriptions are generally delivered within a few weeks of the application. People are generally eligible for several months at a time under such programs. About half of the most costly drugs under Medicaid are covered.
Hoeven said this is a good start, but we need to do more. The state still needs a comprehensive program like Healthy SeniorsRx to adequately cover needy seniors.
Under Healthy SeniorsRx:
- The total drug benefit to seniors is about $20 million annually, $40 million over the biennium, with reasonable co-pay.
- Both name brand and generic drugs are covered. Of the top 100 most costly drugs for Medicaid, all 100 are listed.
- Prescriptions are filled immediately at local, community pharmacies.
- Just one application with one set of criteria is required. A single application is valid for one year before the consumer must reapply.
“Healthy SeniorsRx is designed to be able to transition into a federal Medicare program as it evolves, possibly like the President outlined in his State of the Union address last night” Hoeven said. “With a reasonable investment, like we’re proposing, we can bring much needed financial relief to seniors hard pressed by the cost of prescription drugs.”
Hoeven said he will support the Legislature’s proposal, but called on lawmakers to support Healthy SeniorsRx.
“We’re pleased that the Legislature has advanced a plan to relieve some of the burden of prescription drug costs, and we call on them to support our comprehensive prescription drug program for seniors, as well,” Hoeven said. “We need to work together.”
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