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Bassi applauds senior prescription plan
signed by Governor
Plan will greatly lower costs to Illinois seniors
PALATINE (June 17, 2003) -- State Representative Suzanne “Suzie” Bassi
(R-Palatine), co-sponsor of Illinois’ new plan to help seniors save money on
prescription drugs, called the new program “the product of many years of work
and compromise,” which will aid thousands of seniors who struggle to buy the
medication they need. The governor signed the bill into law Monday.
“Our seniors shouldn’t have to chose between medicine and food, and this bill
will go a long way towards making sure they don’t have to face that choice,”
Bassi said. “By cutting prescription drug costs by up to 30 percent, the new
program will put more money in the pockets of some of our most valuable yet
vulnerable citizens.”
The Prescription Drug Discount Club for seniors will cover all prescription
medicines and be open to all Illinois residents who are disabled or 65 years of
age or older, regardless of income.
The savings will come from having Illinois buy prescription medication in bulk
and pass the savings on to seniors. Seniors or people with disabilities will pay
$25 a year, beginning on Jan. 1, 2004, and will be able to take the card to any
participating pharmacy.
“Our Prescription Drug Discount Club is the first of its kind in the nation and
I hope and expect that many other states will follow our lead,” Bassi said.
“Illinois has long been a leader in helping seniors cope with high prescription
drug costs.”
Seniors who participate in Illinois’ Circuit Breaker Program will be
automatically enrolled in the new program and the $25 fee will be waived.
Pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies can choose whether to participate in the
plan. An expected 1.5 million people will be eligible.
“This is a big step towards helping our seniors lead longer and healthier
lives,” Bassi said. “Illinois is moving in the right direction.”
For more information, please contact Representative Bassi at (847) 776-1880.
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