November 29, 2004

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) announced plans today to double the number of Michigan citizens already enrolled in the MiRx prescription discount card program before the end of the year.

Since the program began in October, more than 10,000 MiRx cards have been issued to low-income, uninsured Michigan residents.

“With one million uninsured citizens in Michigan, connecting 20,000 citizens to affordable prescription drugs is certainly an achievable goal,” said Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. “No one in Michigan should have to make the painful decisions between groceries or life-saving prescription drugs. The MiRx card will help to ease the budgetary pressures in households all over the state.”

As first introduced in the Governor’s 2004 State of the State Address, the MiRx Card is designed to benefit residents who do not have any prescription drug coverage. This program- the largest of its kind in the nation – is unique because it does not target a specific age group. Any citizen that meets the following criteria is eligible to save money on prescription drugs in the MiRx program:

• Be a resident of the State of Michigan
• Have no other prescription drug coverage
• Have an income level at or below the state’s median income level (example: Median Income Level for a family size of four is $56,550, family of two is $37,470)

“Governor Granholm is committed to making healthcare more accessible and affordable to all of Michigan’s citizens. The MiRx card is another example of the Governor keeping her promises and improving the quality of living in Michigan,” said Janet Olszewski, MDCH Director. “I strongly encourage anyone who might be eligible to call or go online to be a part of this program.”

Citizens can save up to 25 percent off of their prescription drug bills, and there is no fee to enroll or use the MiRx discount card. Plan members can use their discount prescription card at more than 2,300 pharmacies statewide, including all major chains and some mail order pharmacies.

To ask questions, get answers and sign-up to be a part of the MiRx card, please call the toll-free hotline at 1-866-755-6479 and have an application mailed to your home. Also, visit the Michigan Department of Community Health website at www.michigan.gov/mdch.