Third try works for Rx card plan

Washington state's latest attempt to give thousands of uninsured residents a price break on prescription drugs holds great promise for a group of consumers who genuinely need help.

It is a poorly kept secret that the uninsured, often the working poor, pay full retail prices for medication. Far too often, it becomes a choice between eating or medicating. Starting Feb. 1, the uninsured can get a card that provides a range of prescription-drug discounts. Depending on whether drugs are name-brand, generic or ordered by mail, price breaks range from 16 to 67 percent off dreaded full retail.

This is by no means the full solution to the health-care crisis confounding the uninsured. And this is not the same as health insurance whereby drugs may be paid in $5, $10 and $20 co-pays. But if this program works, it would take some edge off the high cost of prescription drugs.

Under current conditions, many uninsured go without needed drugs and end up costing the overall health-care system exorbitant amounts with otherwise preventable trips to the emergency room.

The biggest challenge is getting the word out so a critical mass of people participate. The plan is based on the idea of pooling the purchasing power of the uninsured, then eventually combining it with the purchasing power of state agencies and, perhaps, private business and local governments.

The new program involves a handy card that makes Washington one of about a dozen states to use the clout of the uninsured to gain discounts. The program is commendable and unique because it is open to anyone, any age — even people who already have insurance. Though designed for the uninsured, its longer-term success hinges on broader participation with other entities.

Our state has tried for many years to ease the burden on the working poor, only to have programs nullified by lawsuits or an overload of restrictions.

Gov. Christine Gregoire and former Gov. Gary Locke have tried to get at the high cost of prescription drugs with programs that begin with high hopes and end for a variety of reasons.

The latest program, a third try, is well thought out and works with a similar Oregon program. This plan does not compel drug stores to participate as an earlier effort did, but roughly 400 of 1,300 pharmacies statewide have agreed to take part. In the Puget Sound area, the card is accepted at Albertson's, Fred Meyer, QFC and Safeway.

The health-care crisis cries out for many solutions. Washington's new card for the uninsured is a small but important part of making a difference.