HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0243.005 2002-2004
08~18i 2000 09:58 FA% 808 5372288 AARP HAWAII STATE OFFICE 0 002
Hawaii
TESTIMONY TO THE
HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL
IN SUPPORT OF
ACT 76 RELATING TO PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
Wednesday, June 18, 2003
By
Greg Marchildon
HARP Hawaii State Director
Aloha:
Thank you for this opportunity to testify on behaff of AARP's 140,000 members In
Hawaii-in strong support of Act 78, relating to prescription drugs.
Ruby is one of our ohana who is suffering with the high cost of prescription medication.
Every month Ruby wonders if she will be able to pay the $654 out of pocket for
prescription medications she and her husband need, and still be able to pay for life's
other necessities. '
At the time of my last testimony, I told you that Ruby was not alone. Senator Ron
Menor and I Criss-crossed the state a Couple of months ago listening to hundreds of
people tell us about how they are struggling to pay for the vests of their prescription
mediptions.
We met:
• Mr. and Mrs. Aletan in Hilo, who pay $450 a month for prescription drugs.
• Wally Wilson, in Hilo, who pays over $200 a month for prescrfption drugs.
• Jerre Pennell in Kona, who pays more than $350 a month for prescription drugs.
• Mr. and Mrs, Angel of Kone, who pay more than $800 a month for prescription
drugs; and, Irene Anderson of Waianae, who pays more than $350 a month for
prescription drugs.
Comm. No.
Ref. To:_
Ref. Date
1132 Bishop Stn•t, Suke 1920 I Honolulu, NI 96813 1808-537-2277 1808.537•ZZ88 fix I 1-877347598 TTY
James Parkel, Presltl•nt I WiIIfAm D. Novelli, Executive Director end CEO I www.aerp.org
OH/18/2000 09:59 FA% 808 59722P8 A.4RP HAWAII STATE OFFICE ~ 009
-2- (AARP) HB 1930
We met nearly 400 people at our town meetings in Hilo, Kona, Honolulu. Wailuku, and
Lihue; all of these people are having trouble affording the prescription medication that
keeps them active and engaged in the community and out of isle emergency moms for
non-Compliance with their meds.
Act T6's title says that the law relates to prescription drugs, really it relates to people-
the over 200,000 of our friends and family members who are without drug coverage and
must pay full price for prescription drugs.
We hear from our AARP members every day that people age 50+ In Hawaii are paying
too much for prescription drugs,'and for supplemental drug coverage that is woefully
Inadequate to meet their needs.
As of June 2001, 29 states established some version of State Pharmacy Assistance.
During various legislative sessions last year, over 44 states considered such programs.
In the end, some of those states took a wait and see attitude while welting for relief via
the federal government and Medicare reform,
While on a national front securing a comprehensive and affordable drug benefit is
AARP's #1 priority, the national approach does not negate the need to take action now
in the states. Anyone who would tell you otherwise is trying to stall the issue-at the
expense of Ruby Silva and others. Again, 29 states have done something-what about
Haww;'! the health Care State?
Remember, 44 states-including Hawaii--looked at this issue last year. 29 states took
action. House Bill 1950 is an essential component to taking action. This bill will provide
part of the mechanism needed to establish the Hawaii Rx Assistance Program.
The Healthy Hawaii Program will allow people without drug coverage, who are now
paying full retell for prescriptions, to purchase their drugs at Medicaid prices-taking a
$100 prescription down closer to $60.