Letter: Listen to Guinn on senior drugs

Friday, Oct. 20, 2000 | 10:19 a.m.

Your negative comments regarding a state-subsidized prescription drug program for low-income seniors belie a lack of understanding of this issue.

Instead of being criticized, Gov. Kenny Guinn should be lauded for unveiling a rational solution to a difficult problem. At least two-thirds of Nevada's seniors already have prescription drug coverage, with approximately 76,000 seniors covered through their local HMOs. Further, at least one HMO -- Senior Dimensions -- has been providing prescription drug coverage in Las Vegas since 1986.

Rather than a new huge entitlement for people who may not need it, the governor's approach is appropriate and measured. It deals with the problem and avoids a needless government takeover of everyone's medicine cabinet.

ANTHONY M. MARLON, M. D.

Chairman and chief executive officer, Sierra Health Services

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