Patricia O'Neill & Viagra

During the expected criticism of the County Council's actions to the education budget at the May 23, 2011 Board of Education meeting, a board member (I think Mrs. O'Neill) questioned the council's priorities by funding $400,000 for Viagra for county employees instead of adding that $400,000 to the education budget. So a little research reveals that MCPS employees have prescription coverage from the CVS/Caremark prescription plan, and that plan covers six pills per month, unless MCPS has modified the plan somehow. That is the same coverage that the County Council has budgeted. Since MCPS has more employees, I would expect MCPS's cost (buried in the premiums) to exceed even $500,000.

So I wonder if MCPS covers Viagra, and if yes, what it costs MCPS. And if it does cost MCPS, would the board be willing to eliminate Viagra coverage and put the savings into something "that affects the classroom"? What are MCPS's priorities?

Just wondering.
Bob Ladden 



UPDATE:  Gazette: Ervin defends Montgomery council's decision on Viagra
School board member takes potshot at council