Press Release

For Immediate Release
January 26, 2005
Contact: Barry Bennett
(573)751-1088

Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder Testifies For Filling the "Donut Hole"

JEFFERSON CITY, MO - - Saying he wants to "ensure that Missouri Seniors get the care they need and deserve," Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder testified in committee Wednesday morning in favor of Senate Bill 75. Sponsored by Senator Norma Champion (R-Springfield), SB 75 would extend the sunset on Missouri's current Senior Rx Program and would help to fill in the so-called 'donut-hole'.

"There is a serious coverage gap, or 'donut-hole' in prescription drug benefits for our seniors," Kinder continued. "Senior citizens who have difficulty paying for their prescription drugs need help now. This bill will close the coverage gap and still be cost effective for Missouri tax payers."

Sen. Norma Champion, sponsor of the measure and Chair of the Senate Committee on Aging, Families, Mental & Public Health, said she was "pleased to be sponsoring the legislation which will improve prescription drug access for Missouri seniors." Champion also said, "Paying for prescription drugs is one of the greatest concerns facing our seniors. I am pleased that the new federal program will allow the state to do even more for our seniors to receive assistance with their prescription drugs."

This bill is very similar to SB 1371 sponsored and passed last year in the Missouri Senate by Lt. Gov. Kinder when he was President Pro-Tem of the Senate. The committee will continue taking testimony on SB75 throughout the day, and is expected to pass the bill on to the full Senate.