What have Midwestern states done regarding the affordability of prescription drugs?
While there has been much talk in Washington, D.C., about implementing a federal prescription drug program, action on the public policy issue has largely been left up to the states so far. Wisconsin became the latest state in the Midwest to pass a pharmaceutical assistance program when, this summer, lawmakers came to agreement on the Senior Care initiative. The program is expected to help approximately 260,000 seniors, making it one of the largest state programs in the country. Senior citizens making up to $20,616 and couples earning $27,864 or less will be eligible for state help. The plan calls for a $500 deductible, but that would be waived for lower-income seniors. This type of assistance is known as a direct benefit program. According to the American Association of Retired Persons, four other Midwestern states Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Minnesota have developed direct benefit programs, many of which have recently expanded enrollment as a result of more-inclusive eligibility r
