Drug plans receive unanimous approval

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Without a single dissenting vote, two legislative panels on Thursday approved bills aimed at creating a new prescription drug plan for the elderly.

The Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee voted 5-0 while the House Children, Families and Health Committee voted 15-0 to move forward with legislation that would replace an existing prescription drug tax credit that has cost more than expected.

Both bills head next to the full chambers.

The Senate is expected to begin debate Friday while the House is to take up its version Monday.

The bills both offer state-funded medicine coverage to individuals with annual incomes up to $17,000 and couples up to $23,000.

Individuals earning $12,000 or less and couples making $17,000 or less would pay a $25 enrollment fee and a $250 deductible. Those earning more would pay a $35 enrollment fee and a $500 deductible.

The state would pick up 60 percent of their prescription costs up to $5,000 annually. To qualify, seniors would have to be age 65 or older and without pharmaceutical coverage for at least six months.

Sen. Marvin Singleton, R-Seneca, who sponsored the Senate legislation, said his bill differs from the House version by keeping the current tax credit in place until the new program is operating.

Singleton touted his bill as a compromise with a cautious spending approach.

"Hopefully, we have put some safeguards in here that will allow us to contain costs."