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February 10, 2003 Contact: Sandy Wood (503) 945-6530, Jim Sellers (503) 945-5738 Low-income seniors may sign up for drug-discount program Low-income seniors in 15 Oregon counties may now begin applying to participate in a self-supporting state program to help them save an estimated 10 percent to 20 percent on prescription drugs. Up to 100,000 seniors statewide are believed to be eligible for the program, which will enable them to fill prescriptions at the state's reduced Medicaid price. " Even with only a 10 percent discount, a senior who spends $300 a month on prescription drugs would save $310 annually after paying the $50 program fee," said Lynn Read, acting state Medicaid director in the Oregon Department of Human Services. "This should reduce the frequency of seniors leaving prescriptions unfilled, reducing dosages and cutting back on food or heat to pay drug bills." Seniors in Baker, Clatsop, Columbia, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Klamath, Lake, Sherman, Tillamook, Union, Wallowa, Wasco, Washington and Wheeler counties may request an application by calling toll-free (800) 359-9517 (TTY: 800 325-0778). The phone line takes calls weekdays (except holidays) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time. Callers will be sent a one-page application to complete and return, and will be asked for the $50 annual fee only after they are determined eligible. A senior will then receive an enrollment card he or she can use at participating pharmacies. To be eligible, seniors must be 65 years or older, have an income below 185 percent of the federal poverty level ($16,391 annually for an individual), have less than $2,000 in liquid assets (primary residence and car don't count), and not have been covered by a public or private drug benefit program in the prior six months. Preliminary estimates suggest that the self-supporting program should pass the point where it pays for itself (revenues equaling program expenses) by summer. Seniors in the state's 21 other counties may call for an application beginning on these dates:
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