Senator Barrios speaks to seniors in Everett about the Prescription Advantage program.

"The outrageously high cost of prescription drugs is something every family struggles with and Prescription Advantage helps those who need it most," said Senator Barrios. "Your loved ones can only receive relief if they act quickly to take advantage of this one month enrollment period."

Prescription Advantage helps seniors struggling with the rising cost of medicines by providing comprehensive prescription drug coverage for Massachusetts residents aged 65 years and older, as well as many younger residents with disabilities. Generic drugs have the lowest co-payment, while additional brand-name drugs have the highest co-payment. The Plan's formulary covers most outpatient oral prescription drugs, including insulin and disposable insulin syringes with needles.

The Plan year runs from July 1 through June 30 of each year. For members who reach their annual out-of-pocket spending limit, the Plan pays the full cost of their covered prescription drugs through the end of every plan year. Prescription Advantage applications can be obtained through local Councils on Aging across the State, SHINE (Serving the Health Information Needs of Elders) offices, the website http://www.800ageinfo.com/ or by contacting the Plan directly at 1-800-AGE-INFO (1-800-243-4636).

Last year, Governor Romney tried to eliminate funding for Prescription Advantage but the Legislature acted quickly to restore funding. This year, Romney vetoed $5 million that would have helped low-income seniors afford the prescription drugs they need to stay healthy. Senator Barrios pledged to work with legislators to override that veto. Barrios is also lead sponsor of a bill that would establish a website to provide information to Massachusetts residents about how they can safely purchase prescription drugs from certified Canadian pharmacies at a discount of between 20 to 60 percent.

Important information about Prescription Advantage Open Enrollment:

• Open enrollment is only available during the month of September but applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible
• Coverage begins November 1, 2004.
• Applications will also be available in Spanish by mid-July.
• If you would like to have a Prescription Advantage representative attend a community meeting in your local area to discuss the program, contact the Executive Office of Elder Affairs at 617-727-7750 or customer service at 1-800-243-4636. Elder Affairs will work to insure that Prescription Advantage information is available for all gatherings throughout August and September.
• Moe Gillen, Senator Barrios’s Constituent Services Director is available to help constituents understand the Prescription Advantage application process and answer any questions they may have. Moe can be reached by calling 617-722-1650.

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