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FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 1,
2005
OVER-THE-COUNTER
DRUGS SLASHED FOR SENIORS
Illinois
Department of Public Aid discontinues coverage of
common, yet vital, over-the-counter drugs for
Medicaid-dependent Illinois nursing home residents
CHICAGO—The Illinois Council on Long Term Care, a statewide association of
long term care facilities, is appalled by the decision
of the Illinois Department of Public Aid (IDPA) to
discontinue Medicaid coverage of many common, yet vital,
over-the-counter drugs, including pain relievers,
laxatives, iron replacements and artificial tears as of
August 1, 2005. And,
as of September 1, 2005, IDPA will discontinue payment
for acid reducers and wound care dressings.
Terrence
Sullivan, executive director of the Illinois Council on
Long Term Care, is available for comment on the
detrimental effect this decision will have on
Illinois’ frail elderly living in nursing homes.
Earlier
this week, Gov. Blagojevich signed the state’s
first-ever “No Senior Left Behind” law, which he
touts as a safety net that will protect seniors in
Illinois from the shortfalls created by the federal
prescription drug program.
“While
we applaud the governor for his leadership on assisting
older adults afford their much-needed prescription
drugs, we are concerned for the health and well-being of
the state’s elderly, Medicaid-dependent residents,”
said Sullivan.
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The
Illinois Council on Long Term Care is a professional
association of nearly 200 nursing facilities committed
to quality residential health care in Illinois through a
productive and responsible partnership between the
private and public sectors. More information about
Illinois nursing homes can be found at www.nursinghome.org.
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