January 16, 2006

PIERRE, S.D. – Monday, Jan. 16, 2006, marks the launch of RxAccess.sd.gov, a newly developed resource that helps South Dakota residents gain access to prescription drug coverage at low or no cost.

“RxAccess.sd.gov is a tool developed to help people access prescription medications at low or no cost to those who qualify. This web-based resource is designed to help answer simple questions and to ensure that South Dakota residents receive the best medication assistance they can find,” said Department of Social Services Secretary Deb Bowman.

People are eligible for prescription drug coverage through participating company assistance programs if:

• They are a South Dakota resident.
• They have no prescription drug coverage through private insurance.
• They do not qualify for any state assistance programs for prescription drugs.
• They meet the income guidelines.

RxAccess.sd.gov is another resource that helps people determine if a particular medication is available through any of the participating pharmaceutical companies. Most pharmaceutical companies offer some type of assistance program. The final determination, if someone qualifies for assistance with their medication(s), rests with the pharmaceutical companies. “This is a great tool we hope many South Dakotans will take advantage of to help offset their medication costs,” stated Secretary Bowman.

The website provides information pertaining to how consumers can save money on prescription drugs, answers their questions in regards to what individual assistance programs are all about, who is eligible for them, how they can apply, and what the benefits are. It also includes resource links and other contacts to help answer questions pertaining to prescription drug coverage.

During January and February, the Department of Social Services (DSS) invites residents to attend community meetings across South Dakota. Representatives from DSS will inform people of this new initiative and answer any questions about seeking help with prescription drug costs. To find out more, go to RxAccess.sd.gov or call 1-866-854-5465 (toll free). Below is a list of the dates, times, and locations DSS representatives will be in your area.

Hot Springs: Monday, Jan. 23: 7-8 p.m. (MT)
Mueller Center, Annex Room
801 South 6th Street
Hot Springs, S.D.
Phone: (605) 745-3446

Huron: Thursday, Jan. 26: 7-8 p.m. (CT)
Holiday Inn Express, Conference Room
100 21st Street SW
Huron, S.D.
Phone: (605) 352-6655

Watertown: Monday, Jan. 30: 7-8 p.m. (CT)
Watertown Regional Library
611 Bruhn Avenue NE
Watertown, S.D.
Phone: (605) 882-6220

Yankton: Tuesday, Jan. 31: 7-8 p.m. (CT)
Yankton Community Library
515 Walnut Street
Yankton, S.D.
Phone: (605) 668-5275

Sioux Falls: Thursday, Feb. 2: 7-8 p.m. (CT)
Center for Active Generations, Conference Room 128
2300 West 46th Street
Sioux Falls, S.D.
Phone: (605) 336-6722

Pierre: Monday, Feb. 6: 7-8 p.m. (CT)
Pierre Chamber of Commerce, Community Room
800 West Dakota
Pierre, S.D.
Phone: (605) 224-7361

Eagle Butte: Wednesday, Feb. 8: 6-7 p.m. (MT)
Eagle Butte Upper Elementary School, Room 204
Eagle Butte, S.D.
Phone: (605) 964-4911

Rapid City: Thursday, Feb. 9: 7-8 p.m. (MT)
Rapid City Public Library, Meeting Room B - Upstairs
610 Quincy Street
Rapid City, S.D.
Phone: (605) 394-6139