State Drug Program Has Increased Coverage For Seniors

The Missouri SenioRx Program is offering increased drug coverage for seniors
for the new program year that began July 1.  Seniors in the Rx Program will
have more generic drugs to choose from and will save more on those drugs.
In the second year of the program, which started July 1, seniors in the
program are projected to save an average of $808 annually on drugs.  In the
program's first year, seniors had an average savings of $527 annually. 

The Missouri Legislature recently made it less costly for generic drug
companies to offer drugs to seniors in the program.  They passed legislation
that lowered the amount generic companies have to pay the program, from a
15% to an 11% rebate.  With the new legislation, 24 additional generic
companies have joined the program and added their drugs to the growing list
of covered drugs.  Lt. Gov. Joe Maxwell, who serves as chairman of the
Missouri SenioRx Commission, was instrumental in ensuring this legislation
passed.

"We've made it our priority to ensure Missouri seniors on limited incomes
can afford their prescriptions, without having to worry about whether their
preferred medications are covered," Maxwell said. "The passage of this
legislation greatly increases our ability to fulfill this priority."
 
One of the top ten generic manufacturers in the world agreed to enter the
program this year. Watson Pharmaceuticals produces and markets 710 generic
drug products and 95 brand name products. Their product line, now covered by
Missouri SenioRx Program includes many of the most commonly prescribed drugs
for treatment of heart disease, arthritis, and pain control.

"We're ecstatic," says Laurie Hines, executive director of the Missouri
SenioRx Program.  "This is a win-win-win situation.  Our seniors will have
more of their drugs covered. Our drug manufacturers are happy.  And our
pharmacies will have a virtually complete array of covered manufacturers to
choose from when filling members' prescriptions. We're very grateful to the
Missouri Legislature."

The Missouri SenioRx Program was created almost two years ago to help
low-income seniors with their prescription drug costs.  Members pay an
enrollment fee of $25 or $35 and an annual deductible of $250 or $500,
depending on income.  Once the deductible is met, the program pays 60
percent of the cost of eligible medicines, up to $5,000 per year.  

Applications for the Missouri SenioRx Program will be accepted during its
next open-enrollment period, Jan. 1, 2004 - Feb. 28, 2004.  However,
individuals who turn 65 outside of this two-month period can apply 30 days
before or after their birthday.  

For more information, contact the Missouri SenioRx Program toll-free at
1-866-556-9316 or visit the website: www.missouriseniorx.com