Governor Tim Pawlenty today unveiled two initiatives designed to improve the health of Minnesotans - creating the Minnesota Pharmacy Access Program to provide discounted prescriptions to low-income Minnesotans and adding resources to help seniors enroll in the federal Medicare Part D drug program.

"Many Minnesotans can't afford the vital prescription medicines they need," Governor Pawlenty said.  "By using the state's bulk purchasing power, we can provide discounts on prescriptions to thousands of uninsured, low-income Minnesotans who need help.  "

The Governor's proposals build on Minnesota's strong record in providing access to quality, affordable health care for its citizens. The Governor's Prescription Drug Initiative contains two components, with funding coming from a surplus in the state's Health Care Access Fund:

Discounted prescription drugs for uninsured, low-income Minnesotans
Assistance to help seniors enroll in federal Medicare Part D prescription drug program
 
Providing discounted prescription medicines for uninsured, low-income Minnesotans

($2 million, Health Care Access Fund FY 07-09) 

The Governor proposed creation of the Minnesota Pharmacy Access Program (MPAP), which would help Minnesotans without prescription drug coverage buy more affordable medications at their local pharmacies. 

MPAP will allow low-income Minnesotans to have prescriptions filled at their pharmacy at the same price the state pays for drugs under Medical Assistance, the state's Medicaid program, taking advantage of pharmaceutical manufacturer's rebates.

The program provides assistance for uninsured Minnesotans without prescription drug coverage who earn up to 300 percent of poverty ($28,728 a year for one person; $38,520 for a family of 2).  Governor Pawlenty said this would be another option in addition to Minnesota RxConnect, which allows Minnesotans to get information about ordering lower cost prescription drugs through Canadian and U.K. pharmacies. 

The Minnesota Department of Human Services, which would administer the program, would negotiate for rebates from pharmaceutical manufacturers and the savings would be passed on to program participants. An estimated 13,000 Minnesotans a year would be expected to use the new program.  It does not apply to people eligible for Medicare Part D.

Providing assistance to help Minnesotans enroll in the federal Medicare Part D prescription drug program

($4.5 million Health Care Access Fund FY 07-09).

The Part D enrollment, access and assistance proposal will assist Minnesotans who need help choosing and enrolling in Part D prescription drug plans. The federal program, which began January 1, provides seniors and many people with disabilities access to more affordable medication, but Governor Pawlenty said it includes many options and is complicated for many people to understand.

"The new prescription drug benefit is a good addition to an important program, but it's too complicated and confusing," Governor Pawlenty said.  "By directing additional resources to the Linkage Line and other existing programs, we'll be able to help Minnesotans sort through the bureaucratic maze and get the best coverage for them."

Media reports on Tuesday estimated that only 1.4 million Americans out of 8 million eligible have enrolled in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.  About 700,000 beneficiaries in Minnesota became eligible to enroll in Part D starting in January and an estimated 43,000 additional Minnesotans become eligible each year.

The proposals include additional funding to provide assistance through the Minnesota Linkage Line and other client supports, DHS intergovernmental coordination, and support to Area Agencies on Aging.