Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - January 30, 2003
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Gary Locke Pushes Prescription Drug Legislation for Seniors

OLYMPIA – Jan. 30, 2003 – Gov. Gary Locke today pushed for legislation designed to help seniors and others address the rising cost of prescription drugs and health care in Washington state.

The legislation seeks to develop a preferred drug list, prescription drug purchasing consortium and establish a senior prescription drug information clearinghouse. The bill also directs the state Department of Social and Health Services to seek a federal waiver allowing Washington to provide the single benefit of prescription drug coverage to qualifying low-income seniors through the Medicaid program.

These efforts are designed to support the delivery of quality, evidence-based medicine.

“The increasing cost of prescription drugs has continued to fuel the rise of health care expenditures,” Locke said. “It is imperative that the state implement legislation that will help lower these costs to both our citizens and state government.”

The bill would allow the state Health Care Authority administrator to establish a broad-based purchasing consortium of state, local and private entities to obtain better, less expensive prescription drug costs. This includes exploring joint purchasing programs with other states.

The proposed senior prescription drug clearinghouse would assist seniors and others navigate through the complex array of free, charitable and low-cost drugs assistance programs through a statewide toll-free phone number.

“There are far too many seniors in this state who cannot afford their basic prescription drug needs,” Locke said. “I look forward to working with both parties to find ways to extend our ability to purchase prescription drugs and provide better drug coverage.”

It is estimated that there are more than 50,000 older people living in Washington who are of modest income and without any form of prescription drug coverage.

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