Calling for a Renewed Commitment to Missouri Seniors

By Lt. Governor Joe Maxwell

	Spring has come to Missouri, accompanied by its signs of renewed energy and
life.  In our state capital, this time of year is marked by the annual
legislative spring break - which is the traditional half-way point of the
legislative session.  

	Lawmakers began this legislative session with a bipartisan commitment to
make legislation that would help our seniors a priority.  While we've heard
much rhetoric, we've yet to see action.     
An important priority, the Senior Care and Protection Act of 2003, is still
awaiting floor debate in the Senate, and has yet to be voted out of
committee in the House of Representatives. This legislation will ensure the
health and safety of seniors residing in nursing homes by protecting them
from abuse and neglect.   

	As Elderly Advocate for the State of Missouri, I made passage of this
legislation my top priority for this legislative session.  I am working hand
in hand with the leaders of Missouri's senior advocacy groups, including the
AARP and the Silver Haired Legislature, to urge legislators to return from
spring break with a renewed commitment to quickly pass the Senior Care and
Protection Act of 2003.  The Senior Care and Protection Act of 2003 is
referred to in the Senate as Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bills
556 and 311 (SCS SB 556 and 311) and in the House of Representatives as
House Bill 628.        

	A second piece of legislation, while not as well known, is an important
priority for seniors, as it will enable them to continue to receive their
trusted and preferred brands of prescriptions through the Missouri SenioRx
Program. This program was implemented in 2002 and provides our near poor
seniors with affordable prescription drug coverage through the combination
of generic and name-brand drug manufacturer participation.  
Currently, many of the generic drug manufacturers are having difficulty
participating in the program due to burdensome costs that are inconsistent
with similar programs.  Due to a glitch in the law, generic drug
manufacturers are currently paying more to participate in the Missouri
SenioRx program than in programs such as the Medicaid Pharmacy Program.  
Drug manufacturers and state policy-makers have come up with agreed upon
legislation that if passed, will alleviate this problem and encourage the
participation of generic drug makers in the Missouri SenioRx program.
Despite the bipartisan compromise and strong support from the senior
advocate community, this legislation is stalled in legislative committees.
Without swift action, the chance of passage is slim to none.  If this
legislation - House Bill 47/Senate Bill 307 fails to pass -- it is likely
that many of the top generic manufacturers will pull out of the Missouri
SenioRx Program, forcing seniors to switch from generic to brand-name
prescriptions.  

	Please call your legislators and urge them to support legislation
that protects the health, safety and well-being of our seniors.