New drug benefit opens to applications April 1

Missouri's elderly can begin signing up April 1 for the state's new prescription drug benefit program that could pay up to $5,000 a year in drug bills for residents with limited income.

State Rep. Jason Crowell, R-Cape Girardeau, discussed the new program, Missouri SenioRx, in a meeting Friday with about 30 residents at the Cape Girardeau Senior Center.

The legislature approved the program in a special session last fall.

Missourians who are 65 years of age or older can participate in the program if their income doesn't exceed $17,000 for individuals or $23,000 for married couples.

"I think it is a positive step in the right direction," Crowell said.

The state has appropriated $85 million for the first year of the benefit program, which takes effect on July 1. The initial sign-up period will run from April 1 through May 30.

Participants must pay $250 to $500 deductibles, depending on income. After that, the state will pay 60 percent of the cost of participants' prescription drugs, up to a maximum of $5,000 in a year.

After the meeting, several senior citizens still weren't sure they would qualify.

Dean Osbourne of Cape Girardeau doesn't like the $500 deductible. He initially concluded he wouldn't qualify for the program. He later determined that he and his wife would just come within the income threshold and would qualify.

Osbourne, a retired truck driver, said the program particularly would help widows who survive solely on Social Security.

"That will help them tremendously," he said.