MCAULIFFE ANNOUNCES
AVAILABILITY FOR APPLICATIONS
FOR NEW PRESCRIPTION DRUG
DISCOUNT CLUB


Applications are now available for Illinois' new Prescription Drug Discount Club, State Representa.tive Michael P. McAuliffe (R- Chicago) announced on Friday. Legislation to create this program was signed into law last summer, said McAuliffe, adding that it will cover all prescription medicines and be open to all seniors age 65 and older and the disabled, regardless of income.

The new program, which will take effect on January 1, 2004, will offer participants savings of 20 percent to 30 percent on their prescription drugs.

The program provides that the amount paid by an enrollee to pharmacies may not exceed prices established pursuant to rebate agreements, plus a dispensing fee of $3'.50 per prescription for name brad drugs and newly released generic drug products and $4.25 per ' prescription for all other generic drug products. Enrollees will be required to pay an annual $25 fee.to join the program, although Circuit '; Breaker enrollees will automatically be enrolled and the fee will be waived.

"This legislation reflects our efforts to make prescription drugs I; more affordable for our seniors and disabled," said McAuliffe. "As an i example of how much money a member of this club could save, a senior who pays $184 for Relafen could save as much as $60 per , month. We look forward to continuing to examine ways to save our seniors and disabled even more money on their prescription medications in the next legislative session and beyond."

Seniors may apply for the new Prescription Drug Discount Club by:

Calling toll-free (866) 215-3462;

Downloading an application from at www.state. il.us/aging or www.savrx.com; or

Contacting the Illinois Department on Aging by phone at (888)

252-8966 or by e-mail at ilsenior@aging.state. il.us. For more information on Senate Bill 1014, please contact

Representative Michael P. McAuliffe at (773) 792-0749.