Prescription Drugs for Seniors

“There are people in this state, our seniors, who cannot afford their prescription medication,” Easley said at the commission’s first meeting. “Many of them have to go into the drugstore and literally choose between antibiotics and pain medication. That’s not only wrong, that’s bad wrong… These are the people who we call ‘the Greatest Generation,’ … ” Easley said. “We need to be there for them because they need us.”
-Easley wants plan to help seniors buy prescriptions; 5/17/01 Charlotte Observer

We know that the cost of drugs is skyrocketing, and there are a lot of seniors on fixed incomes who have a lot of needs that are not being met,” Easley said.
-Easley touts drug-cost program in Asheville; 10/14/02 Asheville Citizen Times

“This is a great way for us to say ‘thank you’ to the greatest generation,” he said of the N.C. Senior Care Program, which is estimated to help about 150,000 eligible elderly citizens each year. “Too many seniors have to choose between antibiotics or pain medication because they can’t afford both.”
-State prescription plan will help seniors pay for drugs; 10/23/02 Wilmington Star

“We in North Carolina are taking action to protect our seniors and to give them a little back to ensure they get the best possible health care,” “We’ve gotten more rhetoric than action from Washington.”
-Expanded NC prescription drug program unveiled; 10/4/02 Durham Herald Sun

“We’re trying to get as many seniors enrolled as possible,” the governor said. Easley said he plans to attack this problem at the state level since the federal government can’t decide how to tackle the prescription drug crisis. “We were all disappointed when Washington, D.C., didn’t act,” Easley said. “We know all too well the costs of prescription drugs are skyrocketing. We’re not waiting for Washington anymore. We’re going to serve our greatest generation now.”
Without appropriate medications, many seniors end up unnecessarily in the hospital for care which ultimately costs the public in Medicare dollars, Easley said.
“It ultimately means more costs for us and more suffering for our seniors,” Easley said.
-Easley meets with local senior citizens, touts state’s drug plan; 11/4/02 Greenville Daily Reflector