D S S   P R E S S   R E L E A S E

For Immediate Release:
November 16, 2007

Contact: Sara Anderson
(573) 526-0407

DSS Reminds Part D Recipients of Benefits of MoRx Program

Jefferson City – The Department of Social Services’ MO HealthNet Division (MHD) is encouraging Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan recipients to learn more about the MoRx Program as they begin to reenroll in Part D Plans. MoRx is the state pharmacy program that provides assistance with prescription drug costs to low-income seniors and the disabled, through a supplemental "wrap-around" benefit.

"MoRx participants are finding this program to be extremely helpful in managing their prescription drug costs which can be very high for some individuals," said MO HealthNet Division Director Ian McCaslin. "As individuals begin to reenroll in their Medicare Part D Plans, now is the perfect time to look into other avenues of support such as the MoRx Program."

There are 217,430 Missourians eligible for the MoRx Program. Since the program began a year ago, 174,598 Missourians have signed up and are receiving the supplemental benefit. To qualify for the program, individuals must be Medicare beneficiaries below 200% of the federal poverty level. Missouri Medicare beneficiaries who are likely to meet the income guidelines for MoRx eligibility will have annual incomes of no more than $19,600 for a single person or $26,400 for a married couple.

A second resource offered by MHD to assist Missourians in lowering the amount of money they spend on prescription medication is the MoRx Price Compare Internet site. This site is available for all Missourians to use at www.morxcompare.mo.gov. MoRx Price Compare is another tool to help seniors manage the ‘donut hole’ created through the federal Part D Prescription Drug Plan. Those visiting the site are asked to enter the name of their prescription medication, dosage amount and the county where they live. Once the information is entered, pharmacy names and prescription costs are listed. Consumers are then able to use that information to find the best price at the nearest pharmacy.

To find out if you qualify for the MoRx Program, please call 1-800-375-1406 or log on to www.morx.mo.gov/index.htm.