IAAAA Position Paper
on
Hoosier RX

Position

The Indiana Association of Area Agencies on Aging supports measures that will allow the Hoosier Rx program to supplement the benefits of the Medicare Prescription Drug program for low-income seniors.

Background

The intent of the legislation that established the Hoosier Rx prescription drug program for low-income seniors was to provide service for those individuals who did not qualify for Medicaid or have access to resources to cover their prescription medication costs.  The passage of federal legislation to provide a Medicare prescription drug benefit does not substantially change the need for a state sponsored program.

Current Action Needed

The Indiana Association of Area Agencies on Aging supports action that:

• Ensures that the Hoosier Rx program will continue to provide services so that low-income seniors have access to much needed medication.
  
• Ensures that the Indiana prescription drug advisory committee has the authority to make recommendations for the program that include recommendations on how to integrate the Hoosier Rx and Medicare programs.
  
• Withdraws Indiana’s application for an 1115 Prescription Drug Waiver if such a waiver would limit the efficacy of the Hoosier Rx program. 

Last Updated May 2010