PRNewswire - December 19, 2002

The prescription drug proposal being considered by Governor Hodges is designed to allow patients to use only the cheapest drugs available. South Carolina doctors treating Medicaid patients will be allowed to prescribe other prescription products only if a state official approves the use of the product.

"People suffering from mental illness have to have access to their medications," said Dave Alemeida, Executive Director, National Alliance for the Mentally Ill of South Carolina. "Mental health patients need to be able to receive the newest and the best form of medication in order for them to stay healthy." Almeida emphasized, "We have to remember that when we talk about someone with mental illness not being healthy, we're talking about someone going into crisis. It's simply inhumane to force someone, through a state policy, into a health crisis."

A South Carolina patient who has suffered from mental illness since 1990, Dave Cardwell, thinks the proposed state approach to pharmaceutical care is wrong. "I believe that state officials determining the use of prescription medications is incorrect." Cardwell, who takes four different drugs every day to control his disease concluded, "They do not have a good understanding of what a prescription should do. The state's objective is only to reduce cost. In contrast, a physician's objective with his patients is to provide the best quality care."

Several other areas of medical care are likely to be included in the new program being considered by Governor Hodges. Arthritis, hypertension, gastrointestinal diseases, and HIV/ AIDS could be impacted by the plan. Stephanie Williams, an HIV positive patient is very concerned about further restrictions on access to Medicaid prescription drugs. "We already have a hard enough time trying to get access to medical care, quality medical care," said the Columbia resident. "For Medicaid to put more restraints on us ... there's no fairness there, there's no equality there."

The plan being considered by Governor Hodges has had no public hearing and none is currently planned. And, as of today, the incoming administration of Gov. Elect Mark Sanford has made no comment on the action. With Christmas just around the corner, many South Carolina Medicaid patients are worried that a restricted drug plan may make the New Year a difficult one for them.

NAMI of South Carolina is a non-profit, grass-roots organization consisting of 17 local groups throughout our state. NAMI of South Carolina provides support, education, and advocacy for families and friends of people with serious mental illness, and for persons with serious mental illness.

SOURCE NAMI of South Carolina
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PR021240

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