New website helps older Texans and disabled get information that may help them obtain their prescription drugs

The Texas Department on Aging has officially launching a "Texas Cares" website -- http://www.txcares.org -- to help older Texans and people with disabilities get information that may help them obtain their prescription drugs.

The website provides information on how to connect to, and apply for, free or discounted prescription drug assistance from drug manufacturers. It also provides information about prescription drug changes to the Medicare program, other ways to save on prescription drugs, fraud warnings, and links to other helpful resources. "As the means to obtain help with prescription assistance changes in Texas, we have a responsibility to respond with information and resources," said Mary Sapp, Executive Director, Texas Department on Aging. "The Texas Cares website enables consumers to make more informed choices about existing prescription assistance programs."

The Texas Cares website was developed in response to HB 1090 authored by Representative Sid Miller and enacted during the 2003 Texas Legislature. HB 1090 created the Texas Cares program to help eligible people connect to existing prescription assistance programs offered by pharmaceutical companies.

The Texas Cares website will enhance current efforts by the Texas Department on Aging and the Area Agencies on Aging to connect people age 60 and over to appropriate assistance programs. Texas Cares is part of TDoA's Aging Texas Well initiative dedicated to helping Texans prepare for aging in all aspects of life and ensuring that state agencies and local communities work together so that older Texans can enjoy the best possible quality of life.

Aging Texas Well focuses on creating opportunities and resources for education, employment, housing, transportation, recreation, health care, volunteering, family caregiving, community supports, and personal safety and freedom.

For more information on Aging Texas Well, log on to http://www.tdoa.state.tx.us .