Senior Care

When Mike Easley was campaigning for governor, one of his key proposals was a program that would help senior citizens avoid having to choose between antibiotics and pain relievers because they couldn't afford both. He proposed paying for it with part of this state's share of a national tobacco settlement. Now Gov. Easley and Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue, who also supported the idea, have come through. They have persuaded the N.C. Health and Wellness Trust Fund Commission, which Lt. Gov. Perdue chairs, to provide funding for a modest, three-year program. It will pay up to $600 a year to help eligible senior citizens defray costs of prescription drugs to treat the three most common diseases seniors face - cardiovascular disease, lung disease and diabetes.       more...

More Eligible for Drug Aid
September 4, 2003
Financial assistance is available for seniors struggling to pay for their prescription drugs, though there are strict qualification guidelines.

Easley Announced New Drug Benefit Program for Seniors
October 25, 2002
Gov. Mike Easley touted the state's new drug benefit for seniors during a visit to Greensboro on Thursday.

State Prescription Plan Will Help Seniors Pay for Drugs
October 23, 2002
The state is mailing its first batch of N.C. Senior Care prescription drug assistance cards, and Gov. Mike Easley was in Charlotte Tuesday urging more people to sign up.

Expanded NC Prescription Drug Benefit Unveiled
October 3, 2002
North Carolina unveiled an expanded drug benefit program for seniors Thursday that uses tobacco settlement money to assist tens of thousands of residents in paying for their prescriptions.