Sen. Tuttle Sponsors Bill to Restore Eligibility and Funding for Drug Programs for the Elderly and Disabled
AUGUSTA- Senator John Tuttle (D-Sanford) is sponsoring a bill to restore funding levels and eligibility requirements for drug programs for the elderly and disabled to what they were before the cuts in 2011-2012 Legislature.
“The purpose of this program is to provide support for elderly and people with disabilities who cannot afford prescription drugs that are necessary for their health,” said Senator Tuttle at today’s public hearing in the Health and Human Services Committee. “The people who depend on this program are responsible citizens who unfortunately have faced financial hardships. They are not looking for handouts; they just need this basic level of assistance to survive.”
Earlier in the Legislative Session, the Appropriations Committee restored funds to the program in the governor’s Supplemental Budget on a bi-partisan vote. The Supplemental Budget passed the Senate unanimously and passed the House with an overwhelming majority.
“As a society, it is our duty to help care for our seniors,” said Senator Tuttle. “Now we must continue doing what is right so that people do not have to choose between life-saving medication and heat for their homes.”
The bill, L.D. 629, is scheduled to have a work session in the Health and Human Services Committee at 1:30 P.M. on March 26th.
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