MISSOURI ELDER CARE RESOURCES

Center on Aging Studies Without Walls
http://iml.umkc.edu/casww/

Division on Aging Department of Social Services (573) 751-3082
http://www.dhss.state.mo.us/Senior_Services/index.html

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Pending request to reprint on PL web site.

Covering Prescriptions in Missouri

National prescription coverage seems to have taken a back seat to homeland security lately, which is little comfort for the growing senior population and their respective escalating drug expenditures. On the local front, the state of Missouri did pass legislature last year to help Missouri seniors with prescription medicine costs. According to Lily Ko RN of the Crown Center, Governor Bob Holden reported during his recent press conference at Five Church Older Adult Center on January 3, that many seniors in Missouri are choosing between medicine, food, and heat this year. Last year about 22,00 seniors enrolled in the Missouri SenioRx program and received assistance for about 20,00 prescriptions! Governor Holden also stated that even though the state revenue has been low this year, the prescription program would not be cut.

This new program, Missouri SenioRx, replaces the $200 prescription credit previously available through the tax or Circuit Breaker forms. Although the new program requires more documentation, local Area Agencies on Aging and the County Older Resident Program, will provide assistance to seniors wishing to complete the forms.

What are the requirements?

You must be over 65 years of age by February 28, 2003 OR you must complete an application within 30 days if you turn 65 during the 2002-2003 coverage year.

If you are married, your income must be below $23,000 OR if you are single, income must be below $17,000. They count ALL income, including non taxable social security income.
The senior must have lived in Missouri for the past year, and not had “adequate” prescription drug coverage for the previous 6 months. Those on Medicaid will not qualify for SenioRx, but those with Medicare supplements may qualify.

Completed, signed applications MUST BE POSTMARKED BY FEBRUARY 28, 2003 for coverage to begin July 1 ,2003. This is the only sign-up period for the 2003-2004 coverage period (unless you turn 65 during the year). People enrolled in the program last year will receive a special re-enrollment application in the mail that must be completed for continued coverage.

[Note: For information on enrollment for the 2004 year, see http://www.dhss.mo.gov/MoSeniorRx/  Generally, the enrollment period is from January 1 through February 28th.]

How does the program work?

Seniors qualifying for coverage will be asked to pay an enrolment fee ($25-35/year) after their application is accepted.
Any alternative prescription drug coverage must be exhausted first.

The senior will have a SenioRx deductible to meet ($250-500/year)  After the deductible is met, SenioRx may pay up to 60% of the prescription costs.  The state benefit maximum is $5,000/year, and they caution us that the program may change at any time to maintain solvency.

So where do I get the applications from?
St Louis City- St Louis Area Agency on Aging—314-612-5918
St Louis County-County Older resident Program—314-615-4516
St Louis and surrounding counties-Mid East Area Agency on Aging—636-207-0847
Your local pharmacy or drug store
The internet at http://www.dhss.mo.gov/MoSeniorRx/
Or the hotline at 1-866-556-9316

Written by Julie T Hess RN of ACM Care: Your source for quality eldercare answers. She can be reached at 314-293-0697 or www.getcarewithacm.com for any questions or comments.