Feb. 28 deadline for Senior Rx

To the editor:

As an advocate for issues affecting our seniors, I want to help spread the word about the Missouri Senior Rx program.

Missouri seniors who want to save money on their medicine have only a few more weeks to enroll in the Senior Rx program.

The four-year-old state drug program helps thousands of limited-income seniors save over half on their medicine.

Eligible seniors must apply by Feb. 28. The average member saves between $700 and $800 annually.

Over 17,000 Missouri seniors currently benefit from this excellent program.

Almost 20 percent, or 3,200 seniors, have already signed up for the next plan year that begins in July.

These seniors trust the program and know first-hand the money they are saving on their medicine.

Thousands of other seniors could use relief from the high cost of prescription drugs but don't know the Senior Rx program exists or have confused it with the new Medicare drug plan.

I urge senior advocates, the faith community and anyone with an elderly parent, relative or friend to reach out a hand and help enroll eligible seniors before the Feb. 28 deadline. Applications are available at most pharmacies.

To qualify for the Senior Rx program, an individual must be 65 or older with an annual income of up to $17,000 for an individual and $23,000 for a married couple.

For more information, call toll-free at 1-800-375-1406.

PETER D. KINDER, Lieutenant Governor, Jefferson City, Mo.