Letter: Work together to help seniors

Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2001 | 10:07 a.m.

I was disappointed to read recently that Gov. Kenny Guinn's innovative prescription plan for seniors received criticism for its slow start.

While the low initial numbers of participants may make great fodder for headlines and negative sound bites from fellow legislators, the most notably missing information from many of my colleagues' comments is that the program is the first of any kind in Nevada and the first successful program of that structure in the nation. The results are certainly not "abysmal," as Assemblywoman Barbara Buckley states. Senior Rx is a groundbreaking start for Nevada.

Today Nevada's low-income seniors can have drug coverage for less than $35 per month, with a low deductible and a low co-payment. Our governor has put prescription drugs within reach for many who would otherwise go without needed medication. Although I agree with Buckley that 23 enrolled seems disappointing, more disappointing is the partisan wrangling that prevented this program from being executed sooner.

While Guinn's efforts were criticized during Congresswoman Shelley Berkley's bid for re-election, her supporters were touting a plan -- not a program, just a plan. And while only 23 senior citizens have coverage today, the program is currently processing over 1,400 applications received in the last 90 days.

I would urge that all Nevada elected officials, as a group, take the high road -- we must work together toward fine-tuning this important service.

JON C. PORTER

Editor's note: Jon C. Porter is a Republican state senator who lost his bid to defeat U.S. Rep. Shelley Berkley.

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