Public hearing planned on senior drug plan

Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2000 | 11:01 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- A public hearing is scheduled in Las Vegas to give senior citizens, medical experts and others a chance to testify on Gov. Kenny Guinn's prescription drug program that could cover as many as 10,000 to 12,000 low-income elderly.

Assemblywoman Barbara Buckley, D-Las Vegas, the co-chairwoman of a legislative committee that will conduct the Oct. 26 hearing, said it will allow the public a chance to review the state's $5 million contract with Fidelity Security Life Insurance Co. of Kansas City, Mo.

The committee, that will meet at 1 p.m. in the Sawyer State Office Building, has so far refused to release the money until it has an opportunity to look at details.

The state will pay a subsidy of up to $40 a month for a senior citizen, based on income. Those who earn $13,000 or less will be eligible for the full amount. Others who earn $21,500 or less will receive lesser sums.

Guinn said the program will save seniors hundreds of dollars per month on prescription drugs.

Buckley said she has not received full details of the plan and declined to comment.

The proposal has become a partisan issue. Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., initially criticized the Guinn proposal, and last week Guinn asked her to apologize to her colleagues in Congress for spreading "false and misleading information in your original letter and informing them of the successful implementation of SenioRx."

The battle heated up when Guinn's chief of staff, Scott Scherer, criticized the Democrats on the health care committee for refusing to release the money.

Seniors can start to enroll in the program Nov. 1 and the policy will start coverage Jan. 1.

Fidelity Security Life offers two plans with premiums ranging from $34.76 with the largest subsidy to $98 without the subsidy.

Sen. Ray Shaffer, D-North Las Vegas, said the governor should allow a second company, MatureRx-plus to offer its proposal to seniors. That company submitted a bid, which coupled with a $40 subsidy, would carry an $11-a-month premium.

While MatureRx-plus proposes a lower premium, state officials said Fidelity Security offers the best overall plan.