U.S. Senate Debating Medicare Drug Benefit For Seniors

Legislation now being debated in the U.S. Senate could soon change the look of Missouri’s Senior RX prescription drug program. The federal Medicare drug benefit would have senior citizens pay a $35 monthly premium and a $275 yearly deductible before the benefit kicks in. That’s a little more costly than Missouri’s program. Laurie Hines, Executive Director of Senior RX, says this state’s program could stay alive to help those who won’t meet the federal threshhold for eligibility and to aid those who cannot afford to pay the premiums. Senators Bond and Talent are strongly backing the effort on Capitol Hill, saying the time is now to ensure the neediest senior citizens can afford the prescription drugs they need. The federal proposal is not expected to make it through Congress before the fall.