http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2003/Nov/26/ln/ln01a.htmlHawai'i Rx, approved by the Legislature last year, would create a purchasing pool to negotiate discounts with drug manufacturers on behalf of members, who would be able to buy the drugs at local participating pharmacies at a discount.
Gov. Lingle criticized the program initially, but said this month she favors amendments to protect it from the type of legal challenges faced by a similar program in Maine. Hawai'i's program is to take effect in July.
The program should help middle-class seniors who do not qualify for benefits under the federal drug plan, Marchildon said. "The combination will put Hawai'i in the forefront of national healthcare policy, he said.