ISSUE: PRESCRIPTION DRUGS/ SENIORS

For many Barnstable and Yarmouth seniors on fixed incomes, the protection of the state’s prescription drug program was essential to maintaining their health and quality of life.

Prescription drug costs have been rising at a 14-15% increase per year.

Last year Governor Romney eliminated the entire program, saying the state could not afford it. Rep. Atsalis, who helped create the program four years ago, fought to reinstate this benefit and was successful. The House had funded the program at $59 million, but Rep. Atsalis insisted on level funding of $110 million. This action forced the Governor’s hand, which led to Gov. Romney acquiescing in keeping the program, only after an unanticipated windfall the state received from the federal government.

"This issue was a matter of priority for our seniors," Rep. Atsalis said. "Although the decline of revenues was one of the worst in the state’s history, there will never be a good reason not to take care of our seniors, who have sacrificed so much over the years to make our lives better."

Rep. Atsalis also fought save funding for the senior home care program, which the Romney Administration threatened to cut by $7 million. The cuts would have affected as many as 6,000 vulnerable seniors who are dependent on basic home car services in our communities.