Editorial: Seniors’ drug plan should be a priority

Friday, April 5, 2002 | 9:17 a.m.

Two years ago Nevada state government ran into a tough time creating a prescription drug benefit for seniors. More than 800 insurers were asked if they wanted to manage the state's program, but only one applied -- and that company didn't have a license to do business in Nevada. But since then Gov. Kenny Guinn has worked with Assembly Majority Leader Barbara Buckley to set up a program that is making headway.

There is a problem, though. The program only has enough funding for 7,500 seniors, a limit it reached in March. In a month's time, the waiting list already has grown to 600. That number doesn't even take into account those seniors who need help but aren't eligible -- only those with annual incomes of $21,500 or less can sign up.

Nevada and a handful of other states have tried to address the problem, but they can only do so much with their limited resources. It's time for Congress to step in and set aside enough funding for a nationwide prescription drug program for seniors. Such a program is necessary because the high cost of prescription drugs can financially ruin people, especially those on limited incomes.