Hawaii Rx Plus is far
behind its enrollment goals

Enrollment in Hawaii's Rx Plus discounted drug program is lagging behind the pace state officials had hoped.

In July, the first month of the program, the state enrolled about 3,500 people. As of Wednesday the state issued 5,589 Hawaii Rx Plus discount cards, said Tracy Okubo, Rx Plus Program coordinator.

"We were hoping to get 200,000 by the end of the year," Okubo said.

State officials wants to have a large enrollment going into negotiations with drug manufacturers to get rebates and discounts for program participants starting next July.

In the first year, qualified residents will be able to purchase prescription drugs at Medicaid prices from participating pharmacies at a savings of up to 15 percent.

Okubo said the low turnout is due to confusion over who qualifies and the number of other discount prescription drugs program available.

She said people believe they do not qualify for Hawaii Rx Plus because they have drug insurance.

People who have any amount of prescription drug bills not covered by their insurance and who meet the income requirements should apply, Okubo said.