Senior says no need to look to Washington for prescription drug plan

Politicians are the same all over. They promise to build a bridge, even where there is no river. Politics, in a sense, has always been a "con" game. We hope this time a prescription drug plan will be implemented by Congress for the benefit of all participants. Now!

Let’s go back three years to the year 2000 at the fire house on Inman Avenue in Colonia. The members of the Senior Citizens Club of Colonia are meeting and expressing their concerns over the high cost of prescription drugs. As I look deep into their eyes, I can see the fear and uncertainties that the future has in store for them. Then the tears start to flow trading the dignity and self respect for the request of help. How could I not accept the challenge to assist them? Their pleas became my goals.

I canvas the local drug store for the least expensive prices for the 10 most common prescription drugs. Svetislav Millc of Colonia Natural Pharmacy met the criteria and included home delivery. In addition, we receive a 10 percent discount with the possibility of 15 percent off the retail price. At last some kind of financial relief, realizing that increasing participation would increase the discount. I visit other organizations promoting the program. At one such meeting freeholders James Polos and Stephen Dalina were in the audience. Freeholder Polos had the vision and foresight to expand the program and invited me to be a committee member of the Middlesex County Rx Task Force. Polos chaired the committee and for two years we worked on the program, knowing very well that if Washington, D.C., came up with a plan, all our work would have been done in vain.

Here we are with our program in place and Washington is still unable to come up with a suitable plan. Middlesex County Rx Senior and Disabled Citizens Prescription Savings Program is available to residents who are 55 or older, as well as residents of any age who are disabled and receiving social security disability benefits. There are no income limitations, and you will receive discounted pricing on all prescriptions for brand and generic drugs at wholesale prices. man. Perhaps Washington, D.C., needs to look to Colonia for a prescription drug plan! 

George Vassiliades

Colonia section of Woodbridge