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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 16, 2007

Governor Strickland, Department of Aging Urges Ohioans to Talk with Their Families About Prescription Drugs
Discussions Should Address Medical and Financial Barriers to Effectiveness

COLUMBUS - Governor Strickland and the Ohio Department of Aging encourage all Ohioans to discuss prescription drugs, including the drugs they take, their effects to how they are paid for, during Talk About Prescriptions Week, October 14-20, 2007.

Nearly two-thirds of all visits to the doctor's office or hospital emergency room end with a prescription for medication, especially when the patient is older. Individuals who openly discuss their prescription drug use and needs with not only their health care providers and pharmacists, but also their families, can greatly reduce the risk of misuse and complications.

"Ohioans who discuss medications they take with family members can significantly safeguard their well being," said Governor Ted Strickland. "Put simply, better communication about prescriptions leads to better health."

People age 65 and older tend to have more long-term, chronic illnesses and conditions and take more prescription and over-the-counter medication than any other age group. Various factors can keep them from using those medicines safely and effectively, including not knowing what the drug is and how it works, not understanding the doctor's or pharmacist's instructions, cognitive and memory impairments and price.

"Family members can help each other not only avoid dangerous drug interactions and undesirable side effects, but also can identify when loved ones are having trouble affording their prescriptions, which can also lead to problems," said Barbara E. Riley, director of the department.

Since 2005, Ohioans age 65 and older have had access to drug insurance coverage through Medicare. Unfortunately, as many as one in eight have a plan that includes a coverage gap in which the individual is responsible for 100 percent of costs. According to a recent RAND corporation study, about half of those affected by a coverage gap go without benefits for at least 90 days. Many seniors caught in this situation simply stop taking the drugs they need and many do not restart taking them once coverage resumes.

"Many people feel that details about their medical care and finances should be kept private, but they need to share with family members in order to better protect their health," added Riley. "Generic drugs, prescription assistance programs and other benefits can help many Ohioans get the therapies they need at a price they can afford. Discuss these issues with loved ones and allow them to help you talk to your doctor and pharmacist to find solutions."

All Ohioans age 60 and older are eligible for Ohio's Best Rx, the state's prescription drug discount program that lowers the cost of prescriptions for residents who have no drug insurance coverage. Also eligible are adults age 59 and younger with annual household incomes under 300 percent of poverty (currently $2,553 per month for an individual, $3,423 for a family of two). Call toll-free 1-866-923-7879 or visit www.ohiobestrx.org for more information.

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.