Senior Spectrum
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Feb 2008
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Rx Programs to include Vision and Dental Benefits
Senior Rx and Disability Rx, the state's prescription drug programs, will be expanded around April 1, offering vision and dental benefits to low-income seniors and people with disabilities.
The Interim Finance Committee voted in favor of the expansion January 24, with the condition that the benefits be available to people living at 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Program Manager, Laurie Olson, told the committee that her department solicited proposals for hearing, vision, and dental services, but only received responses from venders offering vision and dental services.
“The dental benefit will be limited to $1,000 annually. Members will have no co-pay for preventive or diagnostic services,” she said, adding “there will be a 20 percent co-pay for basic services, and 50 percent on the remainder of services.” On vision benefits, eligible applicants can receive one eye exam, one pair of lenses, and one pair of frames a year. There will be a $25 co-pay.
Olson says the time is right to implement the expansion approved during the last legislative session. “We've taken all the information we had at our disposal about what the expansion will cost us, and what our current prescription drug program is costing, and we really think we can offer both of these benefits to members in Senior Rx and Disability Rx,” she said.
Currently, about half of the programs senior members, and about 80 percent of disability members fall at or below 150 percent of the FPL, even though income limits for the Senior Rx and Disability Rx prescription drug programs are much higher than that.
Rx Programs
To qualify for the prescription drug programs, the maximum annual household income for singles is $24,561, and the maximum annual household income for married couples is $32,742. The programs provide up to $5,100 in benefits per year depending on the member's situation.
For an application or additional information, dial 687-7555 if calling from the Reno-Carson City- Gardnerville areas, or if outside this area call toll-free 1-866-303-6323