Discounted drugs available to residents

John C. Ensslin

Published February 25, 2008 at 12:30 a.m.

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Two lawmakers Sunday urged Coloradans to take advantage of a new program that provides generic drugs at a discount to low- and middle-income residents.

An estimated 400,000 state residents are eligible for the Colorado Cares Rx Program, which started about a month ago. State officials did not have any information on the number who have signed up thus far.

"As a nurse, I have seen far too many patients ask for a cheaper alternative drug when written a prescription," said Rep. Sara Gagliardi, D-Arvada, during a news conference on the west steps of the Capitol.

The program, approved by the legislature last year and signed into law by Gov. Bill Ritter in February 2007, allowed Colorado to join with other states to get steeper discounts on prescriptions for qualified residents.

Former Gov. Bill Owens had vetoed similar bills, saying they would make it harder for the disabled to get the specialty brand- name drugs they need at a reasonable price.

Opponents also argued that such programs undermine the free market by setting limits on how much pharmacies can charge.

But Rep. Dianne Primavera, D-Broomfield, said the discounts will make a world of difference for one family in her district. To combat their daughter's seizure disorders, they needed to buy a drug that they could not always afford, she said.

The program provides about 125 generic drugs at a discount for problems ranging from high blood pressure, arthritis and diabetes to depression and insomnia.

A family of four with a combined annual income of $63,600 or less, or a single person with an annual income of $31,200 or less, is eligible for the program.

To find out more, call 800-769-3880 or go online at ColoradoCaresRx.com.

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