Mulligan Supports Senior Prescription Drug Discount Plan/
Pushes Catastrophic Prescription Coverage

April 4, 2003

Springfield, IL…State Representative Rosemary Mulligan (R-Des Plaines) helped pass legislation today to provide pharmaceutical assistance to seniors through a voluntary discount plan. Mulligan is also supporting legislation that would create a catastrophic prescription drug coverage plan for seniors denied coverage because of pre-existing conditions or other health problems.

"According to AARP membership surveys, the high cost of prescription medication is the number one concern of seniors," said Mulligan. "While we have been very successful in expanding prescription drug programs for low and moderate income seniors over the past several years, we felt more could be done to help moderate to higher income seniors. This bill would allow all seniors to enroll in the program and benefit from prescription drug relief."

An amendment to House Bill 209 removed many of the concerns lawmakers had in the past regarding similar legislation.

"In the past we were asked to support a bill that would have been very expensive to the state in start-up cost. Also, there was no guarantee that drug manufacturers would participate in the program and therefore no guarantee that enrolled seniors would benefit," said Mulligan. "Under the new language, the state will not be required to front $26 million dollars to the program, the state will not be held accountable if the drug companies refuse to discount their medications, and most importantly, seniors will receive savings on their drug purchases."

The program is voluntary for pharmacies and drug manufacturers and is available to Illinoisans with disabilities and all seniors over the age of 65, regardless of income, for all prescriptions.

"Any senior or disabled person who wants to participate can sign up for the program for a $25 enrollment fee. And if you already qualify for the Circuit Breaker, you are automatically qualified for the program and your annual enrollment fee is waived," said Mulligan. "Once enrolled in the program, a senior will automatically receive a discount on prescription medications at participating pharmacies."

Mulligan also supports a bill creating a catastrophic prescription drug insurance coverage program. The program would be administered through the Illinois Comprehensive Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

"One serious illness can be financially devastating, no matter what your income level," said Mulligan. "This bill would enable moderate to higher income seniors who are considered high risk by insurance companies due to a pre-existing condition or other health problems to purchase prescription drug coverage."

For more information, please contact Representative Mulligan at (847) 297-6533.