JEFFERSON CITY– Gov. Matt Blunt announced today that the Missouri Rx (MoRx) program will begin open enrollment on Wednesday, Nov. 1 and will be extending benefits to as many as 60,000 more Missourians. 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 to the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Program.

“This year there is great news for qualifying low-income seniors and disabled Missourians. Because of the hard work and innovations of Department of Social Services Missouri Rx staff and the advocacy of Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, the program has generated resources that are allowing us to expand the program to thousands more seniors and disabled Missourians,” Blunt said. “We are pleased to help low-income seniors and those with disabilities continue to receive their needed medications.”

The Senior Rx program, which ended December 31, 2005, previously assisted low-income seniors and disabled Missourians with drug costs before the Medicare Part D program began in January 2006. MoRx replaced Senior Rx and extends its coverage to those Missourians enrolled in both Medicaid and Medicare (dual eligible) as well as those qualified residents who make less than 200% of the federal poverty level.

About 13,500 participants made the transition from Senior Rx to the new MoRx January 1st. About 145,000 dual eligibles were automatically enrolled as of January 1, 2006.

The MoRx Plan pays for 50 percent of the out-of-pocket costs after the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan has paid. This includes half of the deductibles, co-pays and the coverage gap known as the “donut hole”.

Lt. Gov. Kinder will be personally working to publicize open enrollment and getting the word out to seniors and disabled Missourians who may benefit from participation.

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