FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 24, 2008
Best Rx Program Announces Updated Eligibility Guidelines
New Federal Poverty Levels Mean More Ohio Families May Be Eligible
COLUMBUS - Officials for Ohio's Best Rx, the state's prescription drug discount program, announced updated eligibility guidelines for Ohio families and individuals. Best Rx is open to any Ohio resident without prescription insurance coverage who is either age 60 or older (regardless of income) or under age 60 with an annual household income at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty level.
| Ohio's Best Rx 2008 Eligibility Guidelines |
| Family Size |
Max. Monthly Income |
Max. Annual Income |
| 1 |
$2,600 |
$31,200 |
| 2 |
$3,500 |
$42,000 |
| 3 |
$4,400 |
$52,800 |
| 4 |
$5,300 |
$63,600 |
| 5 |
$6,200 |
$74,400 |
| 6 |
$7,100 |
$85,200 |
| 7 |
$8,000 |
$96,000 |
| 8 |
$8,900 |
$106,800 |
| Add $3,600 per year for each additional family member |
Under 2008 federal guidelines released this week, an individual who earns $31,200 a year ($2,600/month) is eligible for a Best Rx card. Similarly, a family of four with an annual household income of $63,600 ($5,300/month) or less per year is eligible.
"Many Ohio families and individuals are experiencing a financial crunch, struggling to deal with the high costs of heat, fuel, food and medical care," said Mary Inbody, spokesperson for Ohio's Best Rx. "Ohio's Best Rx provides much-needed relief to many who have no help with the rising costs of prescription drugs."
Ohio's Best Rx participants save an average of 34 percent on prescription drug purchases at participating pharmacies. The exact amount saved depends on the prescription and pharmacy location. The pharmacist will tell each participant both the Best Rx price and the pharmacy's usual cost; the participant will always pay the lower price.
There is no fee to participate, and interested Ohioans can apply online at www.ohiobestrx.org or by calling 1-866-923-7879. Drug pricing and participating pharmacy information are also available online or by phone.
About Ohio's Best Rx - Ohio's Best Rx is a prescription drug discount card program designed to lower the cost of prescriptions for certain Ohio residents without prescription drug insurance coverage. The program is endorsed by the Ohio AFL-CIO, America's Pharmaceutical Companies (PhRMA), the Ohio Council of Churches, the Ohio Primary Care Association and the United Way, among others. Best Rx is administered by the Ohio Department of Aging. Visit www.ohiobestrx.org.
