HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES-1996-029 Resolution Endorsing a Statewide Pharmaceutical Assistance Program for Low Income Elderly 3
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMIISSIONERS
A RESOLUTION ENDORSING
A STATEWIDE PHARMACEUTICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
FOR LOW INCOME ELDERLY
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, designated as"poor",and receive no
assistance with the purchase of prescription medications; and
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, provides no assistance for purchase of retail
medications; and
WHEREAS, older adults represent 12%of 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 rccent 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 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+, who
fall within a defined incomelexpense 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.