No Senior Left Out

By Lt. Governor Joe Maxwell

	The stories we hear about senior citizens being forced to make choices
between spending money for food and heating their homes, or purchasing
necessary medications are disgracingly common.  I have heard testimony of
couples making decisions where one spouse has lovingly sacrificed taking
their own medications for the sake of their partner.  Working to prevent
these heartbreaking and dangerous situations, as well as helping thousands
of other Missouri seniors afford their necessary prescriptions, is the
reason the Missouri SenioRx program was created.
	
	Since the program began July 1, 2002, we have witnessed amazing
progress in the prescription coverage provided to Missouri seniors.  As the
Chairman of the Missouri SenioRx Program I am proud to announce that we have
already reduced the cost of prescription drugs for nearly 22,000 Missouri
seniors. We have saved Missouri seniors on fixed-incomes, those seniors who
are the most vulnerable to the high cost of prescription drugs, $2.6 million
dollars.  Not only has this been a significant savings for these citizens,
but it has been accomplished in only a five month period.
	
	This success has been significantly aided by the support of over 89%
of the pharmacies in our state, as over 1,000 are actively participating in
the program. Equally as great is that nearly 200 pharmaceutical
manufacturers are contributing to our program. This allows seniors to join
without having to worry about whether the medicines they know and trust will
be covered.  When totaled together, more than 200,000 prescriptions have
been filled for seniors participating in this program.

	Our goal now is to build upon this strong foundation as this successful
program continues to improve and grow. Every day we receive inquiries from
seniors about enrollment, and I am happy to say now is the time.  Enrollment
for the Missouri SenioRx program began Jan. 1 and will continue until Feb.
28, 2003.

	As your elderly advocate, I will keep working until every eligible senior in
our state is signed up and is benefiting from the Missouri SenioRx program.
We don't want any seniors who are eligible to be left out.  I encourage all
elderly citizens, 65 and older, who are having trouble affording their
prescription drugs and are not already receiving Medicaid to inquire about
the program.  You can call our toll-free number at 
1-866-556-9316 or go online at http://www.missouriseniorx.com to find out
about eligibility requirements.

	No Missouri senior should be forced to choose between food and heating or
their medicines.  I encourage senior citizens to enroll today and all other
Missourians to encourage their family, neighbors, and members of their
church and community to join the Missouri SenioRx program.  The enrollment
period is now, and it is my earnest desire that every eligible senior sign
up today, easing the financial hardship of the high price of medications for
those citizens who sacrificed and struggled to make our nation what it is
today.