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| County can't pay for inmates' medicines |
| By Fayetteville Online |
| Published: 10/27/2003 |
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The Cumberland County, N.C., Health Department does not have enough money to pay for prescription drugs for inmates in the county jail. On Tuesday, Eddie Beale, the finance director for the department, told Board of Health members that if the cost of medication for the inmates does not decrease, the department will need at least $130,000 more than is currently budgeted. In March, the Health Department asked the county for $220,000 to pay for drugs for inmates this fiscal year. "With the data we had when we put that budget together, I think the $220,000 was a good guesstimate," Beale said. He said the cost of prescription drugs has increased since the county jail opened in February. The new jail can hold 568 inmates; the old jail had room for 288 inmates. Beale attributed the increase in drug costs to more inmates with diabetes, hypertension and AIDS, all of which require expensive drugs to control. "We need to hit the Sheriff's Department up for some more money, it sounds like," said board member Lee Utley. "Can we just turn it back over to them?" Board members asked whether cheaper generic drugs are available and if drugs for inmates who are covered by private insurance or Medicaid could be paid for by those insurers. Board members agreed to discuss the issue more at future meetings. |
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