HB 824 -- Prescription Drugs for Seniors

Co-Sponsors:  Abel, Barry, Kreider, Kelly (27), Brooks, Scheve,
Reid, Foley, Ward, Hosmer, O'Toole, Smith, Curls

This bill establishes the Pharmaceutical Investment Program for
Seniors in the Department of Social Services and lists
guidelines for participation in the program.  It lists 4
categories of eligibility based on specified household income
levels and annual prescription costs for applicants.
Individuals who receive Medicaid benefits are excluded from the
program as are individuals who are eligible for prescription
drug coverage under an employer-sponsored or retirement health
insurance plan and individuals who have income sufficient to
purchase insurance to cover prescription drug costs.

The bill allows qualified applicants to participate in the
program by meeting a cost-sharing obligation through payment of
a monthly deductible that is based on the applicant's income.
It also requires certain co-payments for generic and name-brand
drugs during the first year of the program and allows the
General Assembly to require further co-payments.

Individuals must apply annually for participation in the program
and be assessed for Medicaid eligibility.  The bill does not
require acceptance of Medicaid benefits in lieu of participation
in the program.  It also requires interagency collaboration for
education and outreach programs to inform consumers about the
program.  The Department of Social Services must submit
quarterly reports containing specified program data.

The bill also repeals the $200 income tax credit for senior
citizens to offset prescription drug costs.

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated September 13, 2001 at 2:04 pm