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Nixon seeks reauthorization of Missouri Rx

Mo. Gov. Jay Nixon
Mo. Gov. Jay Nixon

By AP/St. Louis Public Radio

ST. LOUIS – Gov. Jay Nixon is urging Missouri's General Assembly to reauthorize Missouri Rx, a program providing prescription drug assistance to needy senior citizens and those with disabilities.

Nixon was in St. Louis on Tuesday, where he called on lawmakers to approve the program for another five years. The program expires on Aug. 28 unless lawmakers reauthorize it.

Missouri Rx began in 2006 and pays 50 percent of out-of-pocket costs for medications that are covered by a Medicare Part D plans, including the cost of the deductible and co-payment.

The program is for individual seniors with annual income up to $21,660, or married couples earning up to $29,140. Elderly and disabled residents in MO HealthNet are automatically enrolled.

Nearly 207,000 Missourians are currently enrolled in Missouri Rx.