SenioRx expanding

Gov. Kenny Guinn says the state-supported, low-cost prescription program for seniors now has 6,000 recipients.

The program began after the 1999 Legislature and was expanded and modified by the 2001 session. It provides low-income seniors with prescription drug coverage at no cost. Seniors who participate pay co-payments of $10 for generic drugs and $25 for brand-name pharmaceuticals. Guinn said Wednesday the program is being expanded to accommodate up to 7,500 seniors.

To qualify they must be at least 62, have lived in Nevada at least a year and earn less than $21,500 a year.

"The often unmanageable cost of prescription medicine is the most pressing issue facing low-income seniors in Nevada and we have an obligation to do what we can to help them," Guinn said.

He termed Nevada's program a model other states could follow for providing the coverage.

The total premium paid by the state for those enrolled in the plan is now $981 a year. Guinn said the amount is down 23 percent from last year's per-person cost. The money to pay for it comes from the tobacco settlement money.

The program's share of funding is expected to be $6 million this fiscal year, which he said will allow service for up to 7,500 recipients.