GOVERNOR TAFT LAUNCHES BEST Rx PROGRAM
Thousands of Ohioans eligible for discount prescription drug card
COLUMBUS (January 11, 2005) - Governor Bob Taft today announced the start of a new prescription drug discount card program that will lower the cost of medicine for many Ohioans.
"The rising cost and need of prescription drugs is a terrible burden for countless families and senior citizens across Ohio," Taft said. "We've made an excellent start in addressing the issue through our Golden Buckeye Card, which has already provided more that $19 million in drug savings for our senior citizens. And with today's launch of Best Rx, we build on our record of accomplishment and confirm that Ohio has become a national leader in making prescription medications accessible to our citizens."
More than one million Ohioans may be eligible to receive the Best Rx card. The Ohio's Best Rx card will lower the cost of prescriptions for Ohioans who:
Do not have prescription drug insurance coverage; and
Are either age 60 and older; or
Have a total family income of less than 250 percent of the federal poverty guideline ($23,280 per year for a single person, $31,236 per year for a couple).
Ohio's Best Rx participants will pay a discounted price for prescription medications at all participating pharmacies. The estimated average savings per prescription is expected to range between 20-30 percent, with individual savings determined by the drug prescribed and pharmacy utilized. Participants will also have the option of filling prescriptions by mail order. Several independent pharmacies and more than 70 percent of pharmacy chain locations are participating in the program.
The Ohio's Best Rx program is the result of legislation passed by the Ohio General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Taft in December 2003. The framework for the program was conceived by a coalition of groups representing drug manufacturers, the Ohio AFL-CIO, the Ohio United Way, Ohio Council of Churches and AARP.
"America's pharmaceutical makers understand that for some the cost of prescription medicine can be a challenge," said Kurt Malmgren, senior vice president of government affairs for PhRMA. "We believe Ohio's Best Rx will provide a significant discount while preserving consumer choice, access and the ability of doctors and patients to determine the best treatments."
"The Ohio AFL-CIO formed the Coalition for Affordable Prescription Drugs which included labor unions and two dozen community service and non-profit organizations representing the uninsured and seniors who need help with paying for medicine," Bill Burga, president of the Ohio AFL-CIO, said. "Our goal was to secure a meaningful discount for the greatest number of people who need it, and Ohio's Best Rx achieves that."
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services is responsible for overall operation of the program. Simple-to-complete applications are available at many locations including participating pharmacies, county agencies, hospitals and health centers. Applications may also be requested by calling a toll-free number, 866-923-7879, or may be printed from the Ohio's Best Rx website (ohiobestrx.org) . There are no application or enrollment fees.
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