Guinn near drug-benefit deal to help uninsured seniors

Jeffrey Libby

Thursday, Oct. 5, 2000 | 10:56 a.m.

Gov. Kenny Guinn's administration is expected to sign a contract in the next few days that would provide prescription drug benefits for uninsured seniors earning annual incomes of up to $21,000.

Guinn said Wednesday that the contract with Fidelity Security Life Insurance/Professional Risk and Asset Management Services could be signed as soon as today or possibly Friday, but the details of the Senior Rx program are not expected to be released until early next week.

"Nevada is the first state with this kind of benefit," Guinn said. "We've been very concerned with both Democrats and Republicans who thought of this issue just in the campaign. I don't understand why they couldn't work together and make a bipartisan plan because this is a devastating issue."

The fast-rising cost of prescription drugs has forced many low-income seniors on fixed incomes to make difficult sacrifices in order to pay the bill.

Gov. Guinn talked about the prescription program during a Wednesday interview on DayONE Las Vegas on Cox cable channels 1 and 39.

According to the plan administered through the Kansas City, Mo.-based insurance company, seniors would pay about $40 per month with a copayment on drug purchases of $10. The state would kick in another $40 toward the monthly premium payment.

Seniors could save as much as $400 a month through the plan and as much as $4,000 a year, Guinn said.

Seniors who earn more than $21,000 annually also can choose the plan. They would pay closer to $100 a month for the same benefits.

The program is expected to cost the state $5 million in its first year. The money comes from the state's share of the $1.2 billion tobacco settlement won in 1998 and expected to be paid out over the next 25 years.