HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES-1997-010 Amended Resolution Endorsing a Statewide Pharmaceutical Assistance Program for Low Income Elderly and Persons with Disabilities ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
AMENDED RESOLUTION ENDORSING
A STATEWIDE PHARMACEUTICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
FOR LOW INCOME ELDERLY AND PERSONS FVIM DISABILITIES
WHEREAS, low income older adults comprise approximately one-fourth of the North Carolina elderly
population;and
WHEREAS, there is nearly 300,000 North Carolinians, many elderly, as well as persons with
disabilities. designated as"poor"and receive no assistance with the purchase of prescription medications;
WHEREAS, nationally,North Carolina has the ninth highest poverty rate for people age 65 and older;
and
WHEREAS, Medicare, available to all citizens over 65 and persons with disabilities. provides no
assistance for the purchase of retail medications; and
WHEREAS, older adults represent 12% of the U.S. population, but consume 34% of all prescription
drugs; and by the year 2000, older adults are estimated to consume close to 50%of all prescribed
drugs; and
WHEREAS, a high percentage of elderly hospital admissions are due to medication misuse; and
WHEREAS, in recent years, prescription drug prices have risen at a rate three to five times that of
inflation, making it difficult for low-income elderly to follow the doctor's orders; and
WHEREAS, low income older adults and persons with disabilities who do not qualify for Medicaid can
not get assistance with the purchase of prescription drugs in North Carolina like ten other states.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Commissioners does
hereby endorse the need for a statewide pharmaceutical assistance program for senior adults age 60+, and
persons witdsabilities, who fall within a defined income/expense range and who do not qualify for
Medicaid; and
FURTHER,BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Commissioners advise the Governor
and state legislators of the need to establish a Statewide Pharmaceutical Assistance Program.
This the 18th day of February. 1997.
L .
William L. Crowther, Chair
Board of Commissioners