Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 19, 2000
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Statement from Gov. Gary Locke on senior prescription drugs

OLYMPIA - "Over the last several months, we have been exploring options to help senior citizens with their drug costs. We have determined the state spends more than $376 million on prescription drugs for state employees, low-income children and families, injured workers, and veterans. I believe we can use our state's combined purchasing power to negotiate discounts that can be passed on to seniors in a simple and cost- effective way.

"I am directing state health care purchasing agencies and my health policy office to put a senior discount drug purchasing program into place as soon as possible. I expect the program to be available to Washington seniors by January 2001.

"While Congress debates solutions to the rapidly increasing costs that seniors must pay every day for the prescription drugs, the state of Washington is taking steps to take care of our seniors now - because here in Washington, we honor and respect our elders.

"We are already fighting for more equitable Medicare reimbursement rates from the federal government to benefit Washington seniors. We cannot wait any longer for the federal government to establish an affordable prescription drug plan for seniors.

"While I can't single-handedly change the Medicare program, I can do everything possible in our state to address the problem of affordable prescription drugs for seniors.

"Our seniors are a precious part of our community. It is time to use all our powers to ensure that they have access to affordable prescription drugs."

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