Holden Signs Prescription Drug Bill For Seniors

Governor Bob Holden has signed legislation providing Missouri’s senior citizens with relief from ever-increasing prescription drug costs. The new legislation replaces a pharmaceutical tax credit that was considered costly and did not provide relief for many low-income senior citizens with large prescription drug bills. Under the bill, all seniors with a household income of les than $17,000 as an individual or $23,000 as a couple will be eligible for the program. Depending on their income, those enrolled cover the first $250 or $500 of their drug expenses. Once that limit is reached, the state will pay 60 percent of prescription drug costs.