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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 27, 2007

Golden Buckeye Card Now Includes Ohio's Best Rx Program
Drug Discount Program Moves to Department of Aging, Picks Up New Members

COLUMBUS - Beginning Sunday, July 1, 2007, Golden Buckeye cardholders will have access to the Ohio's Best Rx program through their Golden Buckeye cards. An estimated two million Ohioans age 60 and older, as well as younger adults with disabilities, have a Golden Buckeye Card. More than 120,000 currently use the card to save on prescription drugs.

"We are proud to welcome Best Rx to the Golden Buckeye Program and are excited about helping our cardholders access valuable savings at the pharmacy," said Barbara E. Riley, Director of the Department of Aging. "Our members join the 92,000 Best Rx cardholders who have saved $8.7 million to date."

Ohio's Best Rx prescription drug discount program lowers the cost of prescriptions for Ohio residents who have no drug insurance coverage. Any Ohio resident age 60 or older is eligible, regardless of income. Also eligible are Ohio adults age 18-59 with an income under 300 percent of the federal poverty level ($2,553 per month for an individual, $3,423 for a family of two). Savings average 30-40 percent on prescriptions at participating Ohio pharmacies.

Older Ohioans have immediate access to Ohio's Best Rx via their current Golden Buckeye cards. Others may apply for the program by calling toll-free 1-866-923-7879 or visiting www.ohiobestrx.org. Applications are also available at many pharmacies, community health centers, hospitals and other locations. There is no fee to enroll or participate.

Since 1976, Golden Buckeye cardholders have used their cards to save an estimated $2 billion on everything from meals and lodging to car care and other professional services at participating businesses. More information, including a list of participating businesses, is available at www.goldenbuckeye.com/families/buckeye.html.

About ODA

The Ohio Department of Aging provides leadership for the delivery of services and supports that improve and promote quality of life and personal choice for older Ohioans, adults with disabilities, their families and their caregivers. Working with 12 area agencies on aging and other community partners, the department offers home- and community-based Medicaid waiver programs such as PASSPORT, the long-term care ombudsman program, the Golden Buckeye Card and more. Visit www.goldenbuckeye.com.