Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report Rounds Up Local Action on Prescription Drugs

The following is a round-up of local actions taken to reduce prescription drug prices:

• Madison County, Ala.: A prescription drug assistance program created by the Madison County Commission began approximately two weeks ago, the Huntsville Times reports. Under the program, volunteers register seniors in drug companies' discount programs. The Times reports that through the program, Medicare beneficiaries without prescription drug coverage and annual incomes below $35,000 could receive discounts on medications up to 40%, and those with incomes lower than $25,000 per year may be eligible for free drugs. So far the program has counseled or made appointments for counseling with approximately 225 eligible seniors. County officials estimate about 18,000 county residents could benefit from the program (Clines, Huntsville Times, 7/8).
• Sedgwick County, Kan.: The not-for-profit Medical Services Bureau has opened its own pharmacy, through which it will sell a one-month supply of one of 30 commonly prescribed drugs for $10 to low-income seniors, the Wichita Eagle reports. Sedgwick County residents over age 60 with annual incomes less than 150% of the federal poverty level qualify for the program. People over age 60 with annual incomes less than 250% FPL but whose prescription drug expenses bring their incomes below 150% FPL are also eligible, according to Phil Sturgis, the program's director. Medical Service Bureau Director Rose Molina estimated that thousands of county residents would use the program (Sommers, Wichita Eagle, 6/28).
• Minnesota: The Minnesota Prescription Drug program last month expanded its coverage to include disabled residents who are Medicare beneficiaries, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. Under the program, which currently covers about 4,600 low-income Medicare beneficiaries, disabled residents must earn less than $906 per month and have less than $10,000 in liquid assets. Couples must earn less than $1,214 per month and have less than $18,000 in assets. Participants pay a $35 monthly fee, and most medications are free. State officials estimate the expansion will cover 2,500 residents by 2004 (Howatt, Minneapolis Star Tribune, 6/28).