04 January 2006
Sebelius provides help with high prescription drug costs
Governor takes action to help Kansans save money
WICHITA, Kan. – The medicines lining the shelves of Professional Pharmacy help improve people’s health and save lives. But for too many Kansans, Governor Kathleen Sebelius says, the price of live-saving medicines is hard to afford.
The Governor was at the pharmacy in Wichita Wednesday to announce two actions she is taking to help Kansans afford their prescriptions.
“I’ve met many Kansans who are healthier, happier and more active thanks to the medicines you find at pharmacies like this one, said Sebelius. “But the cost of live-saving medicines keeps rising, so too many Kansans can’t afford the drugs they need.”
“Today we have good news for Kansans – help to lower the cost of the life-saving medications they depend on,” the Governor said.
Sebelius unveiled two initiatives to help Kansans save money on medicine. One is geared for Kansans without drug coverage, while the other is designed to help Kansans enroll in the Medicare prescription drug plan.
Community Rx Kansas – Low-Cost Medicines for Kansans
The first, Community Rx Kansas, will allow Kansans without drug coverage who meet certain income guidelines to get significant discounts on medicine at 286 participating pharmacies statewide.
Sebelius said the 150,000 Kansans who are eligible for the plan could see savings of between 15 and 80 percent.
“Just one example – a 90-day supply of Glyburide, which helps treat diabetes, is available for $14.50. That’s instead of the up to $38 you’d normally pay,” said Sebelius.
A household can enroll in Community Rx Kansas for $10 a year and buy discounted medicine through local pharmacies that participate in either the Prescription Network of Kansas or the Right Choice Pharmacy network, both of which are home-grown Kansas companies. For enrollment applications postmarked by January 31, 2006, the first $10 annual fee will be waived.
For more information, or to enroll, visit www.healthykansas.org, or call Prescription Network of Kansas at (800) 279-3022 or Right Choice Pharmacy at (866) 424-6423.
Helping Seniors and the Disabled Enroll in a Medicare Drug Plan
Governor Sebelius also announced she is devoting $500,000 to provide help for seniors and the disabled who are confused about the Medicare prescription drug plan.
“There are also 400,000 Kansans who are now eligible for the new Medicare prescription drug benefit. That’s the good news,” said Sebelius. “The bad news is that this benefit is complicated and confusing. Too many Kansas seniors are struggling to figure out which of the 41 plans is the best for them.”
To help Kansans get help with the Medicare prescription drug plan, Sebelius is devoting resources to increase the number of phone lines and volunteers at SHICK (Senior Health Insurance Counseling of Kansas), an organization seniors know and trust.
Money will also go to help 17 local organizations and the long-term care ombudsman expand the help they’re already giving seniors. These local groups include SHICK sponsoring area agencies on aging and county extension services.
“To get help enrolling in a plan, you can call SHICK at (800) 860-5260 and talk to a trained volunteer in your area who can help you find out which option is best for you or your loved one,” said Sebelius.
“I believe no Kansan should have to go without critical medicine because of the cost,” Governor Sebelius said. “We have an obligation to help our neighbors by giving them the tools they need to live healthy, productive lives.”
Seniors have until May 15 to enroll in a plan. Additionally, 40,000 Kansans are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. They were automatically enrolled in a plan as of January 1, but have the option of re-enrolling in a different plan monthly if they choose. Help for both groups of Kansans will be provided through the Governor’s initiative.
