Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 4, 2004
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Gary Locke Launches Landmark Prescription Drug Program for Seniors

Gov. Gary Locke today announced that Washington state will now be able to provide seniors a resource to help find prescription drugs at lower prices.

As a part of the landmark prescription drug legislation signed into law last year by Locke, the Pharmacy Connection program will increase access to drug discount cards and drug-manufacturer assistance programs.

The program is designed to help those in need navigate through the wide variety of free, low-cost and discount programs available throughout the country. It will also aid in teaching seniors how best to take their medications.

“There is nothing more frustrating than knowing there is medicine available to assist a person who is ill, but they cannot afford it and have no prescription drug coverage,” Locke said. “The Pharmacy Connection program will help address this problem.”

Locke signed Senate Bill 6088 into law last year. The legislation called for the creation of a “preferred” drug list for state agencies and an information clearinghouse with a toll-free number (1-888-435-3377) to assist consumers with prescription drug-related issues.

The governor praised Rep. Eileen Cody, D-Seattle, and Sen. Alex Deccio, R-Yakima, for sponsoring this important legislation. The program was a coordinated effort among the Washington State Health Care Authority, Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), Area Agencies on Aging, Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors Helpline (SHIBA) program, Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner and BenefitsCheckUp.

For more information, contact the Pharmacy Connection statewide toll-free number at 1-888-435-3377.

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