State will end Hawaii RxPlus drug program

The state Department of Human Services announced today that it will end Hawaii Rx Plus, a discount prescription drug program, in August after the state’s contract with a vendor expires.

The department said no new vendors bid on the contract. Hawaii Rx Plus, which began in 2004, is intended to help low-income residents pay for prescription drugs not covered by insurance.

The department said the number of people who took advantage of the program dropped substantially after the federal government provided prescription drug coverage through Medicare Part D in 2006. The department said free discount pharmacy cards are also available.