Nixon authorizes prescription drug assistance program

ST. LOUIS, MO (ST. LOUIS PUBLIC RADIO) - Governor Jay Nixon signed legislation Friday reauthorizing the state's prescription drug assistance program for low-income seniors for three more years.

Missouri R-X pays half of the cost of prescription drugs, including co-pays and deductibles, for eligible seniors. It's designed to cover the gap in Medicare prescription drug benefits known as the donut hole.

The governor says the program will still be needed even as President Obama phases in his overhaul of the health care system.

"There could be some rules and regulations later on but the line is that this extension was necessary. There is no other federal law that is or will completely take care of this problem," Nixon said.

More than 212 thousand individuals are enrolled in MO R-X. The legislation authorizes 20 million dollars for each of the next three years, which the governor's administration says is enough to cover those who are enrolled.

Rachel Lippmann, St. Louis Public Radio

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