All for it as I currently see it. Anything that can and will save people money on prescription drugs need to be accessable to the general public.

Erie County Legislature to Study Prescription Drug Cards

The Erie County Legislature unanimously voted to study the possibility of a prescription drug discount card program for uninsured and underinsured county residents at its May 16 session.

The County Legislature will study existing programs, which has been introduced in several counties in New York State, and has referred the issue to the County Legislature’s Health Committee, which is chaired by County Legislator Cynthia Locklear (D-West Seneca, South Cheektowaga), one of the sponsors of the resolution.

“Rising prescription drug costs can be a prohibitive barrier to uninsured and underinsured people in managing their medical needs, and it is estimated that between 6-12 percent of New York State residents are uninsured or underinsured,” Legislator Locklear said. “I am pleased that the entire County Legislature joined me in being proactive in identifying cost-neutral, effective ways to deliver benefits to our residents to help deal with monumental health and medical costs. Prescription drugs are one way for people to treat illnesses, injuries and other conditions that can often allow people to get better sooner without having to be hospitalized.

“The County Legislature will work to institute a program that will not incur any membership or other fees to the participants or any cost to Erie County. It should also offer all-inclusive eligibility, regardless of age or income and user anonymity so that no prescription information will be tied to anyone’s personal identification,” Legislator Locklear added. “We want the program to also offer demonstrated savings of 10-20 percent on brand medications and savings of 20-50 percent on generic medications.”

According to the resolution, the Health Committee will investigate the possible issuing of request for proposals based on terms similar to the above conditions.