HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 02-18-1997 - 8j 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Action Agenda
Item No. _
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: February 18, 1997
SUBJECT: Amended Resolution Endorsing a Statewide Pharmaceutical Assistance Program for
Low Income Elderly and Persons with Disabilities
DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC HEARING: YES: NO: X
Orange County Disability Awareness Council
County Manager
BUDGET AMENDMENT: YES: NO: X
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Miles,
Chair(or)
Sharron Siler ext. 2300
Amended Resolution TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Hillsborough -732-8181
Chapel Hill -968-4501
Durham -688-7331
Mebane -227-2031
PURPOSE: To amend the Resolution endorsing a Statewide Pharmaceutical Assistance Program
for Low Income Elderly Adults to include persons with disabilities.
BACKGROUND: At the August 5, 1996 meeting,the BOCC approved a resolution endorsing the
need for a statewide pharmaceutical assistance program for senior adults, age 60+, who fall within a
defined income/expense range and who do not qualify for Medicaid.
Studies indicate that elderly persons on a fixed income oftentimes cannot afford to pay for their
prescription drugs and have to choose between purchasing food or their medication. In addition,to
financial assistance,there is also a need for education. Many persons, literate and illiterate, do not
understand why they are taking their prescriptions, over-the-counter medications and/or vitamins.
They also do not understand how or when these medications should be properly administered. The
approved resolution endorses a program that provides medications, as well as a regular educational
and counseling component.
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The Orange County Disability Awareness Council has reviewed this resolution and is requesting an
amendment to include persons with disabilities. While there is an estimated 23,000 persons in
Orange County with disabilities, many are not age 60, yet face similar challenges as the elderly.
They may not qualify for Medicaid and therefore,cannot get assistance with the purchase of
prescription drugs.
The attached resolution includes the addition of disabled persons to the previously approved
resolution. (The specific changes are underlined and highlighted in bold/italics for your review.)
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the amended
resolution and authorize the Chair to sign.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
AMENDED RESOLUTION ENDORSING
A STATEWIDE PHARMACEUTICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
FOR LOW INCOME ELDERLY AND PERSONS WITH 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 with disabilities, who fall within a defined income/expense range and who do not
qualify for Medicaid; and
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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.
William Crowther, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners