Three Generic Drug Companies Opt Out of Prescription Drug Plan for Missouri Seniors

Missouri Gov. Bob Holden (D) and Lt. Gov. Joe Maxwell (D) on July 23 said that because three large generic drug companies have refused to participate in Missouri SenioRx, the state's prescription drug assistance program for seniors, participants' drug prices could increase, the AP/St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports (Sloca, AP/St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 7/24). Missouri SenioRx, which on April 1 began enrolling seniors who are not eligible for Medicaid and have annual incomes lower than $17,000, covers 60% of participants' drugs costs. Participants pay a $25 to $35 enrollment fee and a $250 to $500 annual deductible based on income (Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, 3/28). In order to participate in the program, drug companies must offer a 15% discount off the cost of medications. Holden, Maxwell and officials from AARP said that Geneva Pharmaceuticals, Mylan Laboratories Inc. and TEVA Pharmaceuticals USA have refused to offer such a rebate. Maxwell, who chairs the commission that oversees the program, said that by not participating, the companies are "choosing profits over people." On July 23, TEVA said it would participate if the program required rebate levels mandated by the federal government (AP/St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 7/24).