The Associated Press

COLUMBUS - The state is delaying the start of its prescription discount program for at least six weeks while it tries to persuade more pharmacies to participate.

CVS and Rite Aid, the state's two largest pharmacy chains, have declined to join, concerned about fees and lack of control over setting discounts.

The state had planned to start the expanded version of its Golden Buckeye card later this month but has enrolled only about 65 percent of pharmacies, said Steve Proctor, a Department of Aging spokesman. Its goal is at least 90 percent.

"It's a bigger undertaking than we imagined, and it's taken a little bit more time," Mr. Proctor said.

The program will provide prescription drug discounts to senior citizens and the disabled.

The state says discounts will range from 13 percent to 21 percent on name-brand prescription drugs and 23 percent to 43 percent on generic and mail-ordered drugs.

Walgreens, with 121 pharmacies, and Kroger, with 182, will join.