Restoring the Missouri Rx Plan
Under current law, the Missouri Rx Plan, established by the General Assembly to coordinate Missouri prescription drug assistance with Medicare benefits, is only open to Medicaid dual-eligible individuals — those qualifying for both Medicare and Medicaid — who fall beneath a specified income level. This stipulation excludes many Missourians who would benefit from the program and the aid it provides. Going forward, I believe we should open the doors of eligibility to include these ordinary folks who greatly need our help.
A new proposal, Senate Bill 563, would do away with the dual-eligible requirement for MORx, but keep the income stipulations intact. The Missouri Senate discussed the idea several weeks ago, officially passing the bill on Thursday, Feb. 1. It currently awaits further discussion in the Missouri House of Representatives.
I support this plan, and so do many of my colleagues, who helped pass the bill with broad, bipartisan support. The dual-eligible requirement was never an original part of the program, but was created to counteract state budget woes during last year’s legislative session — a tough choice we made to balance a tight budget and avoid cuts to other programs.
It is time we restored MORx to its former glory by once again opening it to a wide range of low-income Missourians. The seniors who benefit from this program are truly among some of the most vulnerable citizens of our state. It is our duty to respect our elders and ensure they’re able to enjoy their twilight years in peace, not constantly worrying about affording medication.
As always, please feel free to call, email or write with your ideas or concerns. My Capitol office number is (573) 751-1415, my email is dan.hegeman@senate.mo.gov and my mailing address is Room 332, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.