Missouri Governor Set To Sign Senior Prescription Drug Benefit Bill Today

Missouri Gov. Bob Holden (D) is expected to sign into law on Oct. 5 a prescription drug bill (HB 824) that would establish a program to cover about two-thirds of the drug costs for seniors who enroll, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports (Bell, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 10/4). The plan, which repeals a $200 per person tax credit implemented to help people ages 65 and older purchase medications, would cover seniors in two income categories. Individuals earning $12,000 or less and couples with incomes of $17,000 or less would compose the first group, and singles earning $17,000 or less and couples with incomes of $23,000 or less would compose the second group. Seniors in the lower income bracket would pay a $25 annual enrollment fee and a $250 deductible, and those in the higher income bracket would pay a $35 enrollment fee and a $500 deductible. Once participating seniors pay the deductible, the state would pay 60% of their remaining drug costs (Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, 9/14). The bill also stipulates that generic drugs must be used whenever possible, "unless there are special requests" for brand-name medication. Seniors can enroll in the program between April 1 and May 30, 2002; the program is slated to begin July 1, 2002. The state Legislature still must appropriate funding for the program. The Post-Dispatch reports that after signing the bill on Oct. 5, Holden will meet with state House and Senate leaders to select 15 people to sit on the commission that will manage the program. The commission will have the authority to change the program's deductibles and copayments as needed and also will work with a private firm that will manage the "day-to-day" operations. A third part of the bill addresses Medicaid eligibility by "relaxing" income eligibility requirements "over time." The bill would change by 2004 monthly income limits from $530 to $716 per month -- the federal poverty level (St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 10/4). For more information about health policy in Missouri, go to State Health Facts Online.