JEFFERSON CITY -- Sen. John Loudon, R-West St. Louis County, has announced that applications are being now being accepted for the 2003 enrollment period for the Missouri SenioRx Program, the state's senior prescription drug program.

Applications will be processed from Jan. 1 through Feb. 28, 2003. Beginning July 1, 2003, newly enrolled seniors can begin using their SenioRx cards to receive benefits at participating pharmacies statewide.

If an individual turns 65 outside of this two-month enrollment period, he or she has 30 days before or after his or her birthday to apply.

Eligible seniors can obtain applications from local pharmacies, Area Agencies on Aging offices, through the program's web site www.missouriseniorx.com or by calling the program's toll free number at (866) 566-9316. The contact number for the Mid-East Area Agency on Aging, which services St. Louis County, is (636) 207-0847 or (800) 243-6060.

"The cost of prescription drugs has skyrocketed, and it's important that all eligible senior citizens apply for this program," said Sen. Loudon. "Missouri's senior citizens are one of our most valuable assets, and they deserve the state's assistance with these bills. No one should ever have to make the choice between groceries or a much-needed prescription drug."

The Missouri SenioRx Program provides benefits for citizens who are at least 65 years of age, who have been residents of Missouri for at least 12 months, and who are not currently receiving Medicaid benefits. Total household income must be $17,000 or below for an individual, or $23,000 or below for a married couple.

Eligible seniors will receive discounts on eligible prescription medications after they meet an annual deductible. Once the deductible is met, the Missouri SenioRx Program will cover 60 percent of eligible costs, with a maximum annual benefit of $5,000. The deductible is based on income.

Estimates indicate the average senior will save $700 annually on his or her prescription drugs by participating in the SenioRx Program. The program hopes to have 55,000 members by the end of the current enrollment period.