Many prescription drugs at chain pharmacies cost less than medications obtained through the new Colorado Cares Rx program for lower-income state residents, according to a Denver Post cost comparison. Colorado Cares Rx, which was unveiled this month by the state Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, is a partnership with the not-for-profit branch of the mail-order pharmacy Express Scripts. Through the program, Colorado residents can purchase a 90-day supply of about 110 generic drugs for $20 each, and 90-day supplies of about three dozen other drugs cost $30 or $40, according to the state's Web site.

However, according to Kirsten Whipple -- director of marketing and public relations for Sears Holdings, which owns Kmart -- most of those drugs cost less at Kmart, which charges $15 for a 90-day supply of nearly 300 generic drugs for chronic conditions. Prices at Costco's mail-order pharmacy and Walgreens also were lower than the state's program for certain drugs, the Post cost comparison found.

According to state Rep. Alice Madden (D), Colorado Cares Rx in its current form is not what the state Legislature intended when it passed legislation last year to create a low-cost drug program. Madden said, "This is just a first step," adding, "We have to do more." When Gov. Bill Ritter (D) signed the measure into law, a release stated: "Up to 10,000 types of prescription drugs could become available at discounted prices ... and provide savings of up to 80% to eligible participants." Health department spokesperson Joanne Lindsay said the state chose Express Script's RxOutreach to administer the program because of its ability to reach rural Colorado residents by mail and because it met the requirements of the law.

Diana Baumohl, a vice president at Express Scripts, said, "It's very difficult to compare pharmaceutical pricing. Often what appears cheaper is not," adding that shipping costs and other fees need to be considered. Lindsay said, "People should always go in and compare prices, even if they have insurance. This is just another option" (Human, Denver Post, 2/29).

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