Health Care

PRESCRIPTION COVERAGE FOR ELDERLY

ConnPACE (CT Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract to Elderly/Disabled) - It is estimated that 70,000 seniors lost prescription coverage in 2001 and only 20,000 of them were eligible for ConnPACE A. ConnPACE A provides for seniors and those with disabilities, with incomes under $14,200, prescription coverage, with a $12 co-payment per prescription (235% of the Federal Poverty Level). The ConnPACE expansion to 235% of FPL was passed by the 2001 General Assembly. In addition, it included a directive that if Connecticut was able to get a federal "waiver" and Medicaid matching money, the eligibility level should be raised to 300% of the Federal Poverty Level. Governor Rowland has recommended expanding eligibility to 300% of the Federal Poverty Level and the Connecticut Dept of Social Services is applying for a federal waiver. This plan still needs legislative support. Another program, ConnPACE B, will provide prescriptions at a discount to those whose incomes make them ineligible for ConnPACE A, but who have no means of paying for needed prescriptions. However, an implementer bill has not been passed (as yet still unimplemented).