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Missouri RX prescription program to get 3-year extension

(via Flickr/Magineart.com)

Missouri lawmakers have passed legislation to renew the state’s prescription drug program for senior citizens and the disabled. 

Missouri RX covers half the co-pays and deductibles for individuals earning up to $21,600 per year and married couples making just over $29,000 per year.  The program’s renewal was added onto a separate bill sponsored by GOP House Member Jason Smith of Dent County.

“We have it accomplished that this year, before session expires today at 6 O'clock, that we have a bill on the governor’s desk assuring that it’s gonna last three more years," Smith said. "The current budget, it was already budgeted for it, so the budget that was passed last week did have the funding in it.”

Missouri RX is set to expire August 28, but Governor Jay Nixon is expected to sign the three-year extension into law.  Around 226,000 low-income Missouri residents benefit from the program.

Marshal was a political reporter for St. Louis Public Radio until 2018.