Gov. Bill Ritter signed his first bill into law today, enacting a discount prescription drug plan for Coloradans lacking health insurance.
Ritter called Senate Bill 1 a significant step in containing health care costs for so many Coloradans.
Under the bill, uninsured Coloradans who do not qualify for Medicaid and make less than about $60,000 a year for a family of four could enroll in the Colorado Cares plan.
For an enrollment fee of $20, they could then get discount generic drugs from participating pharmacies.
House Majority Leader Alice Madden estimated some 264,000 Coloradans could save up to 80 percent on their prescriptions.
The program is expected to be launched at the beginning of 2008.
The bill comes just a few days after Ritter directed the state, through an executive order, to join a multi-state bulk buying pool for prescription drugs for Medicaid patients.
Ritter campaigned on the need to improve access to health care. However, he is not expected to propose significant reform until next year, after a special commission finishes a report on the issue.
Democrats for years have been trying to enact the discount drug proposals. Former Gov. Bill Owens, a Republican, has vetoed similar bills that past two years.
Sen. Bob Hagedorn said Ritter s signing of the two plans made him downright giddy.
The need for medicine and medical care is overhwelming, and our resources are minimal, he said.
We are doing the best we can under the circumstances.
