States consider cutting drug help for seniors

PAWTUCKET, R.I. — Six states in budget trouble have debated whether to scale back prescription drug assistance for seniors.

In Rhode Island, Gov. Don Carcieri has proposed saving $700,000 by ending a program that helps seniors pay for their drugs when a federal assistance program called Medicare Part D will no longer help. South Carolina has made similar cuts.

Vermont's governor proposed eliminating the funding this year, but lawmakers instead instituted co-payments for recipients.

New York and Connecticut rejected plans to curtail assistance, while Massachusetts now requires more co-payments.

AARP officials said seniors who stop taking their drugs could wind up in hospitals needing more expensive treatment.