Feb 15, 2008 7:45 pm US/Eastern
Coverage To Reduce Seniors' Out-Of-Pocket Costs
BALTIMORE, MD (WJZ) ―
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CareFirst is coming to the rescue of senior citizens whose healthcare doesn't cover their prescription costs.
Governor Martin O'Malley and Mayor Sheila Dixon, along with CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield CEO Chester Burrell and Delegate Peter Hammen, announced a partnership to allow CareFirst to commit $4 million annually to fund prescription drug coverage of individuals enrolled in the Maryland Senior Prescription Drug Assistance Program.
"Last year, we came together, to expand health care coverage in our State and make health care more affordable for 100,000 more Marylanders, including our small and family-owned businesses. But too many of our neighbors, especially our seniors, are still forced to choose between taking their prescription medications and putting food on their table," said Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley.
"We fell into the gap with three months to go in the year, and then we had to sit down and figure out how we were going to pay the prescription, and it wasn't easy," said Julio Perez.
"Today, with a $4 million commitment from CareFirst and new legislation, we are closing Maryland's donut-hole to provide prescription drug coverage to more of our neighbors and make our entire State stronger," said O'Malley.
Right now, 7,500 Marylanders enrolled in SPDAP whose prescription drug costs are between $2,510 and $4,050 pay 100 percent of their drug costs, while those whose expenditures are under $2,510 and over $4,050 receive help and prescription drug coverage.
CareFirst's $4 million annual contribution to the program will go towards prescription drug coverage for these citizens currently paying 100 percent of their costs, who are in the program's "donut hole."
"Seniors are jewels in our community," said Mayor Dixon. "Ensuring that older citizens have access to the medication they need is critical, and I applaud this effort by Governor O'Malley, Delegate Hammen and CareFirst to give seniors the coverage they need."
"We are pleased to work cooperatively with Governor Martin O'Malley and Delegate Pete Hammen to extend and broaden our support of the Senior Prescription Drug Assistance Program," said CareFirst President and Chief Executive Officer Chet Burrell. "It's not uncommon to hear tales of seniors who are forced to choose between paying rent or a utility bill, or purchasing needed prescription drugs. We hope that our contribution will assure that needy seniors get the drugs they need so that they can avoid being forced into choices that can compromise their health."
"I am proud to work with Governor O'Malley to ensure access to these important and life-saving prescriptions," said Delegate Hammen. "This important legislation will provide much needed relief for one of Maryland's most vulnerable populations – our seniors – with significant prescription costs."
CareFirst currently contributes $14 million annually to fund the existing SPDAP, part of a total of $23 million directed to fund health-related programs in Maryland – an amount equal to the value of the company's 2 percent premium tax exemption.
Since 2000, CareFirst has contributed more than $118 million to support Maryland senior prescription drug programs.
The MD SPDAP is a program of the Maryland Health Insurance Plan that offers eligible Maryland Medicare beneficiaries up to a $25 monthly subsidy toward their individual premium when enrolled in an approved Medicare Rx Prescription Drug Plan or Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan.
CareFirst worked with Delegate Peter Hammen, the chair of the House Health and Government Operations Committee, to structure the subsidy of the coverage through the Maryland SPDAP.
Because the Prescription Drug Assistance Program was created by an act of legislation, Delegate Hammen has filed legislation to enact this change in the program, which will take effect July 1, 2008.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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