COLUMBUS (January 13, 2006) - Ohio Governor Bob Taft today announced co-payment assistance for dually eligible Medicare and Medicaid Ohioans who are experiencing difficulties accessing prescription drug coverage through the new federal Medicare Part D program.

?We understand the federal government is working hard to correct the problems with this new prescription drug program, but the fact is that a lot of vulnerable Ohioans who expected affordable co-payments for their prescriptions are not getting the benefit that they were promised,? said Taft. ?Until the problem is fixed, we are doing what we can to help our citizens afford their medications.?

While dual eligible beneficiaries were to have co-payments of no more than five dollars, federal computer systems are misidentifying many as ineligible and charging co-payments that are significantly higher.

Taft has directed the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) to guarantee the difference to pharmacists until the end of the month. At that time the state will review the situation and determine if further assistance is necessary. ODJFS will communicate directly with pharmacies regarding the details of this effort.

Individuals with questions regarding Part D should call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE or the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) at 1-800-686-1578.

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