Eckardt Helps Put Maryland on the Map For Increasing Access to Prescription
Drugs
Maryland State Representative Adelaide C.
Eckardt, (Flemming 1999) is helping to put Maryland on the map as
one of a growing number of states offering senior
citizens assistance with prescription drug costs.
Eckardt sponsored the House version of SB 855, which establishes the Senior Assistance
Short-Term Prescription Drug Subsidy Plan and Fund for
seniors who live in Maryland’s rural areas. The bill,
sponsored by State Senator Roy P. Dyson, took effect
July 1, 2000, and will remain in place until June
2002, pending federal legislation.
“Seniors in rural areas in Maryland pay more
for their medical needs than do urban citizens,”
said Eckardt, noting that seniors who reside in rural
areas are not covered by insurance programs limited to
city residents. “Seniors who receive an income of $600
a month and have to pay $300-$400 for their
medicine make difficult choices. Do we eat, heat our homes,
or get the medicine we need?”
Individuals eligible to benefit from the program must be
65 or older, eligible for Medicare Plus Choice, and reside in one of the 17
“medically underserved” rural counties, including Allegheny, Calvert, Talbot and
Worcester counties. Enrollment is limited to 15,000 participants who must pay a
$40 monthly premium, a $50 deductible, and co-payments of $10-$35 for
prescriptions to qualify for the benefits.
The legislation passed in Maryland this year is a culmination of ideas, and a
bi-partisan effort. “I have introduced legislation for three years,” Eckardt
said. “I worked closely with all involved to see this idea become a reality.
This was truly a team effort.”
Twenty-two states have some kind of prescription drug assistance program. In
2000, in addition to Maryland, new pharmaceutical programs were authorized in
Indiana, Kansas, Florida, Maine, Massachussettes, and South Carolina.
