GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1999

S	1 

SENATE BILL 1109

Short Title:  Funds for Presc. Drugs.	(Public)

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Sponsors: Senator Harris.

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Referred to:  Insurance.

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April 15, 1999

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS TO PROVIDE PRESCRIPTION DRUGS TO CERTAIN PERSONS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR MEDICAID AND WHO HAVE LIFE-THREATENING MEDICAL CONDITIONS.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
Section 1.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health, the sum of two million dollars ($2,000,000) for the 1999-2000 fiscal year, and the sum of two million dollars ($2,000,000), for the 2000-2001 fiscal year.  These funds shall be used to pay the cost of prescription drugs for persons:
(1)	Over the age of 55, not eligible for full Medicaid benefits, and not receiving coverage for prescription drugs under any other program or policy of insurance;
(2)	Whose income is not more than two hundred percent (200%) of the federal poverty level; and
(3)	Who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening disease or condition for which the drugs have been prescribed.
These funds shall be used to pay the cost of prescription drugs for the treatment of a life-threatening disease or condition.  Payment shall be not more than Medicaid cost including rebates.  The Division shall develop criteria to maximize the efficient and effective distribution of these drugs.
Section 2. This act becomes effective July 1, 1999.