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Washington�s prescription drug discount card saving millions

For Immediate Release: July 10, 2008

Gov. Chris Gregoire encourages all Washingtonians to enroll in free program, reaffirms her commitment to affordable health care

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today encouraged all Washingtonians to sign up for the state�s innovative and free prescription drug discount program that has helped many citizens save hundreds of dollars on prescription drug costs.

�With gas and food prices at record highs, paying for health care is now an even bigger challenge for Washington families,� Gregoire said. �As anyone who has been sick knows, prescription drugs are one of the biggest costs in getting healthy.�

Since the prescription drug discount card was unveiled in March 2007, more than 82,000 Washingtonians have enrolled and saved roughly $4 million on prescription drug costs. The card is free and available to all Washingtonians no matter their age or income.

Patty Gee, a retiree from Olympia, is a prescription drug discount card holder. �I went to the pharmacist for some eye drops and was nearly in tears,� Gee said. �The cost of that prescription was so expensive. I had to decide whether to buy my eye drops, or my heart medicine. I was relieved when the pharmacist signed me up for the discount card and I could afford both.�

Washington joined with Oregon to increase their buying power by buying prescription drugs in bulk, significantly reducing their price. On average, card users are saving about $23 on every prescription filled. There is no cost to the state.

Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler joined the governor and praised the state�s program. �I applaud the governor and her staff on the tremendous work they have done to make the Washington Prescription Drug Program the success it is,� Kreidler said. �While this program is not insurance, it�s an important tool in helping tens of thousands of seniors, families and other Washingtonians who struggle to pay for the treatment their doctors prescribe.�

Washington�s agreement with Oregon marked the first multi-state effort in the nation aimed at providing discounts for uninsured or underinsured citizens. More than a dozen states offer prescription drug discount card programs, but according to AARP, none offers discounts as steep as the Washington and Oregon programs.

�We know seniors continue to choose between eating and taking their prescriptions,� Gregoire said. �Many of these folks live on less than $600 a month. Spending even $50 a month for prescription drugs can be impossible. The federal government should address this disgraceful situation. Until it does, we will.�

The governor also affirmed her commitment to keeping prescription drugs affordable for low-income seniors and disabled. She mentioned the state�s subsidized co-pays for prescription drugs for all Washington residents enrolled in both Medicaid and Medicare. Since January 2006, the state has paid $13.3 million, which provides relief to approximately 220,000 seniors every month.