Current resources are not adequate to meet the demand. Additional funding is needed to increase the availability of these and other key supportive services. Generally, Medicare does not cover prescription drugs. Medicaid, which includes a prescription benefit, covers persons with income up to 100 percent of the federal poverty level. People just above the Medicaid limit with an income up to 120 percent of the poverty level are the most vulnerable for not being able to afford their prescription drugs.
Assistance is needed to help low-income elderly and disabled pay for their needed medications.
This effort is a good start, but more needs to be done to ensure that older and disabled adults have access to needed prescription drugs. Because the asset limit is so low, many older and disabled adults who qualify for Medicaid incomewise, fail to meet the asset limit, and are therefore not eligible for Medicaid. A report is due to the General Assembly this session pertaining to the feasibility and cost of tripling the asset level for aged, blind, and disabled adults. We urge the General Assembly to give this report careful consideration. This issue is being studied by a LRC Committee and legislation may be proposed for action in the short session.