Guinn outlines senior drug plan details

Nevada Gov. Kenny Guinn pitched his senior citizen prescription drug program at news conferences Tuesday in Reno and Las Vegas.

The governor said the ''SenioRx'' insurance program, which is getting off to a slow start, should help up to 12,000 seniors in its first year. Signups start Nov. 1 and coverage will start in January.

Eligible seniors will pay $34 to $88 a month for coverage. The policies actually cost more, but the extra cost will be offset by a subsidy of up to $40 a month, depending on income.

Under the plan, many common prescription drugs will be available for a copayment of $10 to $35, depending on whether a person wants generic or brand-name drugs. The maximum annual benefit is $5,000.

The program has two options: the full subsidy for seniors earning below $12,700 annually; and a reduced subsidy that drops as income increases above the $12,700 mark.

''With this program, we will be able to make a significant difference in the lives of thousands of Nevada seniors currently struggling with the cost of prescription medicine,'' Guinn said.

Fidelity Security Life Insurance/Professional Risk and Asset Management Insurance Services, based in Kansas City, Mo., will provide the coverage. The company was selected from five that submitted bids in August.

The 1999 Legislature approved the plan, but it was delayed after a first invitation for bids drew only one plan from a company not licensed in the state.

A health care committee then held up the release of tobacco settlement funds for the plan until it could evaluate the winning bidder. The program is expected to cost about $5 million a year.

Assemblywoman Barbara Buckley, D-Las Vegas, co-chairwoman of the committee, has said she intends to hold hearings on the plan to get comment from seniors and health experts.