LANSDALE, September 25 — Jim Maza, the Democratic candidate for the State Senate in the 24th District unveiled a program today designed to make prescription drugs more affordable for senior citizens and intended to bolster Pennsylvania’s Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly, more commonly referred to as the PACE program.

“It’s past the time for government to solve the prescription drug crisis,” said Maza standing outside the Community Housing Service’s Health and Wellness Center located in Lansdale, Montgomery County. “The federal government, the state government, and both political parties have failed miserably when it comes to making sure our seniors have the drugs they need to lead healthier lives.”

Maza’s program would start with the purchase of drugs for all state affiliated prescription plan subscribers by a single entity instead of being purchased by each separate program.

“Various programs in Pennsylvania provide some type of prescription benefits for 2.4 million people. Whether it’s part of the state employees’ benefits package, the PACE program, or our state retirees, we must use their combined purchasing power to leverage better prices from the pharmaceutical manufacturers starting today,” said Maza.

In referencing the PACE program, Maza noted that approximately 19,500 Pennsylvania seniors will lose their drug benefits at the end of 2002 because of cost-of-living adjustments to their Social Security benefits.

“A dozen years ago, the PACE program was, if not robust, sufficient,” said Maza. “At its peak the program had over 450,000 seniors enrolled. As of today there are only half that number. Those facts are unacceptable.”

Maza also proposed the introduction of a program through which seniors, for a nominal enrollment fee, could enjoy the savings the state would receive by acting as a bulk pharmaceutical purchaser.

“Other states such as Vermont and Maine, after seeing their seniors forced to drive to Canada to get their prescriptions have created programs like this. There’s no reason Pennsylvania can’t do the same. Without substantial change, our drug programs for seniors is going to be a bus trip to Canada.”

Joining Maza was 76 year old Montgomery County resident Terri McClain. Ms. McClain takes the prescription drug Zocor to control her cholesterol levels. A one-month supply of Zocor costs $89. She is on a total of five prescriptions that cost $223.75 per month.

Ms. McClain, recently laid off, is now attempting to obtain a part-time job to help pay for her prescription drugs. Her income level disqualifies her from eligibility in the PACE program.

To illustrate the prescription drug crisis, Maza had on hand $89 worth of groceries which were later donated to Manna on Main Street, a Lansdale food bank.

Also joining Maza today was Dr. Denise Vanacore, director of the Health and Wellness Center at Community Housing Services.

“As the state with the second oldest population in the country, it’s time we lead the nation in caring for our seniors.

“The time is now for the General Assembly to put up or shut up. As Senator, on this and other issues, I’m ready to go to Harrisburg, role up my sleeves, and get to work.”

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