AL
HB 278
Rep. Mancuso

Directs that portions of the tobacco settlement revenues be used to fund and administer a prescription drug program for low-income senior citizens in Alabama. The Alabama Department of Senior Services will provide the rules and regulations for as well as oversee the low-Income Senior Citizens Prescription Drug Program.
(Passed House, 3/21/02; did not pass by end of regular session 4/17/02)

AZ

See laws, Table 1 above

AZ
H 2315

Would establish prescription assistance for Medicare beneficiaries with incomes under 120% of the poverty level.
(Died in committee at end of '01 session)

AZ
H 2607 Rep. Gullett

Would establish the Prescription Medication Coverage Pilot Program to expand prescription medication services. Individual must be qualified for Medicare, annual income of 100%-250% FPL, AZ resident, and be a resident of a county that does not have a Medicare HMO or be a resident that has a Medicare HMO that does not provide prescription drug benefits.
(Passed House, 3/13/01; died at end of '01 session; see H1118 passed, above)

AR

See laws, Table 1 above

CA
AB 513
Strickland
AB 1166
Campbell

Would authorize a tax credit in an amount equal to 25% of the nonreimbursable cost of prescription drugs, up to $300, paid by a taxpayer age 65 or older, with individual income of not more than $20,000.
(Died in committee at end of session*)

CA
SB 155
Sen. Oller

Would authorize a tax credit in an amount equal to the nonreimbursable cost of prescription drugs paid or incurred by a taxpayer age 55 or older.
(Died in committee at end of session*)

CO
S 143
Sen. Hagedorn

Would create a senior pharmaceutical assistance insurance plan, with state subsidized premiums.
(Favorable committee report, died at end of session, 5/4/01)

CO
HB 1079
Rep. Mace

Original bill would expand existing Older Coloradans Program to provide eligible persons age 60 and over with pharmaceutical, dental, optical and other services. A new board would establish budget limits and administer the program. $3 million would be appropriated, but the portion available for pharmaceuticals was not specified. The final bill deleted any reference to pharmaceutical assistance.
(Passed House and Senate, signed by Governor 6/6/01 without pharmaceutical language)

FL
S.120
Sen. Rossin
H 319

[Subsidy expansion] Would revise eligibility for pharmaceutical expense assistance program, eliminating requirement for Medicaid eligibility, raising maximum income to 150% of poverty level, and increasing maximum benefits to $150 per month.
(Senate Favorable report 3/14; died in committees at end of session 5/4/01)

FL
'02 Suppl. Budget
Gov. Bush

Would provide $32 million in added Medicaid funding in the Florida FY'02 supplemental budget, for the proposed federal Medicare benefit. Under the proposal, the federal government would pay 90% of the drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries between 100% and 150% of the federal poverty level (FPL, approximately $17,000 annually for a family of two.). States' Medicaid programs initially would be responsible for the remaining 10%. The state estimates that eligible enrollees could receive an average of $1,858 in yearly drug benefits. Governor Bush stated, "We must be ready to take advantage of this new federal program when it is adopted. We already have two drug benefit programs in place for our Medicare beneficiaries, but this will add $357 million in new benefits where it is needed the most." [Agency explanation]
(Filed 2/5/02)

GA
SB166
Sen. Tate

[Subsidy] Would create the Georgia Pharmacy Assistance Program for Low-income, Elderly Citizens, for age 65 or over, maximum income $14,000 individual; $30,500 for couple; with a $10 enrollee co-payment.
(Filed 2/14/01; died at end of 2002 session *)

HI
HB 803
Rep. Pendleton

Would create a refundable prescription drug tax credit for all eligible taxpayers - no income or age limits specified in bill.
(Filed 1/24/01; died at end of 2002 session *)

IA
HF 171
Osterhous
SF 297

[Subsidy] Would establish a senior pharmaceutical assistance program in the department of elder affairs to provide for subsidization of prescription drug costs of eligible persons years of age and older with limited incomes; includes $5 million appropriation.
(Filed 2/01; died in committees at end of 2002 session *)

KY
SB 103
Sen. Roeding

Would establish the "Kentucky Senior Pharmaceutical Assistance Program" for those over 65, not enrolled for prescription drug coverage under any other health benefit plan, not incarcerated, and does not have an annual gross income over $50,000 and a widow or widower who is 63 years old before the death of the eligible consumer.
(Died in Senate committee at end of session)

LA
S 108
Sen. Hines

Would create the Louisiana Seniors Pharmacy Assistance Program for those over 60, gross income that does not exceed 100% of the FPL, that does not qualify or receive other benefits, and must not have voluntarily canceled a state or federal prescription drug program or private reimbursement plan within 6 months prior to application for enrollment in the program. Drugs eligible for reimbursement are limited to maintenance drugs for specific diseases and the copayment will not be more than 30% of the cost of each prescription. Maximum annual drug benefit will be $1,200 a year.
(Passed Senate, 35y-2n; did not pass at end of regular session)

MA
S. 1676
Sen. Lees

Would establish a tax credit for taxpayers age 65 or more for the cost for the purchase of prescription drugs. The credit shall not exceed $1500 per tax year. Said taxpayer whose prescription drug costs are fully covered by an insurance plan, or the prescription drug insurance plan administered by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, shall receive the tax credit for their premium or deductible costs. If the credit provided in this section reduces the tax to zero, the taxpayer shall be entitled to a refund equal to the amount of the credit exceeded the amount of tax due.
(Filed 1/01; placed in inactive study, 7/9/01 *)

MN
H2515
Rep. Goodno

Would raise copayments for MinnesotaCare adult enrollees in households with incomes above 100% of Federal poverty, from $3 to $6 per prescription. MinnesotaCare is the subsidized health care program for people who do not have access to health insurance and meet income and program guidelines. MinnesotaCare was founded in 1992 and is funded by enrollee premiums, the State of Minnesota, a tax on heath care providers and some federal matching dollars.
(Filed 5/8/01; Passed House, 3/14/02; in Senate)

MO

 See laws, Table 1 above

MO
SB1 Sen. Steelman

Would create the Pharmaceutical Investment Program for Seniors to provide pharmaceutical assistance.
(Filed for special session 9/05/01; combined with SB 4, now law)

MO
SB 5 Sen. Rohrbach

Would revise the current prescription drug tax credit for seniors.
(Filed for special session 09/05/01; combined with SB 4, now law)

MO
SB 6
Sen. Jacob

Would create the Pharmaceutical Investment Program for Seniors to provide pharmaceutical assistance.
(Filed for special session; combined w/ SB 4, now law)

MO
HB 169
Rep. Froelker

Would establish a pharmaceutical assistance program in the MO Division of Aging, with eligibility up to 200% of federal poverty and maximum assets of $350,000. Coverage would begin after a $600 annual deductible.
(Referred to Ways and Means Committee, 3/28/01; combined with bills in special session, above)

MO
HB 824
Rep. Abel

Would establish the Pharmaceutical Investment Program for Missouri. Eligibility based on gross income up to $25,000 for individual, $50,000 for a couple, and estimated annual prescription costs for applicants. Would require payment of a monthly deductible based on income, plus co-payments and an annual $25 fee.
(Passed House,145y-7n, 4/5/01; Senate Public Health and Welfare favorable, 5/9/01; some provisions included in special session, above )

MO
SB 22
Sen. Singleton

SB 106
Sen. Steelman

Would create a prescription drug insurance subsidy program for up to $6,000 in coverage. Would require residency for at least one year; income not more than $11,600 annually. The annual subsidy could not exceed the cost of the insurance or $850, whichever is less. The state may enter into contracts with private health insurers to provide insurance policies. Would replace the present $200 state tax credit for pharmaceuticals.
(Passed Senate, 4/17/01; also see special session bill SB 4, above)
(S 106 combined into SB 22)

MS
SB 2720
Sen. Smith

Would direct the division of Medicaid to enter into contracts with private insurers to provide health insurance coverage to eligible persons for prescription drugs and pharmaceutical services with the cost of such coverage to be subsidized by the state on a sliding scale basis; to provide eligibility requirements; to authorize the division of Medicaid to adopt rules to administer the program; to create the Senior Rx fund.
(Filed 1/21/02; died in committee, 2/11/02)

MS
SB 2948
Sen. Smith

Would create a "Mississippi Rx Senior Patient Assistance Program"; to authorize the division of Medicaid to provide payment assistance for prescription drugs to low-income senior and disabled citizens who are ineligible for drug benefit coverage from public or private sources; to provide eligibility standards; to authorize the division to establish a state rebate program from pharmaceutical manufacturers; to authorize a co-payment program; to create a prescription assistance fund.
(Filed 1/02; died in committee, 2/5/02)

NE
L 1148
Sen. Jensen

Would establish a special study project to recommend ways to provide prescription drug assistance to state residents.
(Filed 1/17/02; sent to Health & Human Services Committee)

NE
L 1263
Sen. Connealy

Would establish the Nebraska Senior Drug Program. Eligibility includes age 65 or over, income not more than 120% of federal poverty, assets not more than $4,000 for an individual or $6,000 for a couple; also has a $420/year deductible.
(Filed 1/23/02; sent to Health & Human Services Committee)

NV
S 239
Gov. Guinn

[Subsidy expansion] Would change the 1999 insurance subsidy program to provide that the state could subsidize up to 100% of the premium for those under $12,200, and eliminate the $480 maximum state payment.
(Passed Senate 21y-0n 3/15/01; did not pass ; see SB539, substituted and signed by Governor)

NH
HB 540
Rep. Wendelboe

Would assess a 3 percent fee on the gross sales of any prescription benefit management (PBM) company doing business in New Hampshire. The proceeds from the fee would fund a program providing prescription drugs for low-income and uninsured persons.
(Killed in House 259y-68n, 3/22/01)

NH
HB 1468
Rep. Wendelboe

Would create the Medicaid Rx Senior Eligibility Expansion Program. Eligibility would include Medicare enrollees age 65 or over or disabled, who are categorized as QMB and SLMB (incomes up to $120% of poverty). Also would establish a task force to evaluate a future Rx senior program for other income categories, including considering eligibility guidelines and enrollment fees.
(Filed 1/02 )

ND
H. 1382

Would provide an income tax credit for personal prescription drug spending over $500 in a calendar year. Fiscal note indicated a 2001-2003 biennium general fund cost of $15.4 million.
(Killed in House 30y-68n, 2/15/01)

OK
H 1897
Rep. Cox

Would develop and implement a state voucher system for eligible individuals to receive low-cost prescription and non-prescription drugs and other supplies. Vouchers would be issued for $25 per month per eligible individual. Eligible persons are 65-79 and eligible for the State Supplemental Income Program.
(Passed House; passed Senate 4/9/01; died in Conference Comm. 5/24/01)

OR

See laws, Table 1 above

OR
H.3568
Rep. Schrader

S 927
Sen. Minnis

Would create Senior Prescription Drug Benefit Program in Department of Human Services. Appropriates money from General Fund to Department of Human Services for the program, and declares an emergency effective July 1, 2001.
(Filed 3/15/01; did not pass by end of session)

S 927 is similar, with different copayments and qualifications.
(Filed 2//01; did not pass by end of session)

RI
H 7732A
Budget

The FY '03 budget (Article 24, § 1) includes a directive to the Dept. of Human Services to apply for a "Pharmacy Plus" Medicaid waiver to allow for federal reimbursement of 50% of the cost of subsidies for eligible persons from 100% to 200% of federal poverty.
(Filed; passed House and Senate; became law by veto override 6/12/02)

SD
H 1107
Rep. Brown

Would create the South Dakota senior citizen pharmaceutical assistance program and provide a $500,000 appropriation for its operation.
(Health and Human Services Comm., killed 11y-2n, 2/14/01)

SD
H 1175
Rep. Bartling

Would create a low income pharmaceutical assistance program for resident with gross income not more than 140% of federal poverty, and sought a $1 million appropriation for its operation.
(Health and Human Services Comm., killed 9y-4n, 2/14/01)

TN
S 1283
Sen. Dixon
H 905
Rep. Bowers

Would establish the "Prescription Affordability Act for Seniors". Provides expense assistance to certain low income elderly individuals that qualify for limited assistance under the TN medical assistance program as a result of being eligible for Medicare. Over 65, income between 90% and 120% of the FPL, eligible for Medicare, and not enrolled in a Medicare HMO that provides a pharmacy benefit. Fiscal analysis states: "Increase state expenditures exceeds $30,000,000."
(Did not pass committees by end of 2001 session*)

TN
HB 2089
Rep. Turner
SB 2481
Sen. Harper

Authorizes a state subsidy program for persons age 62 or over, or disabled, with income eligibility up to 185% of poverty, or with pharmaceutical expenses 40% or more of total annual income Also would establish an Rx Program, including discounted prices based on manufacturer rebates. Includes provision for state-established maximum prices by July 1, 2005 if retail prices are not "reasonably comparable" to the average lowest cost of such products..
(Filed 1/10/02; sent to committees)

TX
HB 1094

See laws, Table 1 above

TX
SB 895
Sen. Moncrief

Would create a state prescription drug program for certain Medicare beneficiaries, "that operates in the same manner" as the Medicaid vendor drug program. The program would utilize state funds, and have no "premium, a deductible, coinsurance, or another cost-sharing" (in Sen. Health & Human Services Comm., died at end of session, 6/01)

VA
HB 1665
HB 2179
HB 2633

[Subsidy] Would create the Virginia Prescription Drug Payment Assistance Program. Eligible persons must have incomes at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level or have prescription drug expenses that exceed 40 percent of annual income; they must also be age 65 or older or eligible. $20 annual enrollment fee, co-payments between $5 and 25% of total price. The benefit is limited to prescription drugs manufactured by pharmaceutical companies that agree to provide manufacturer rebates. Funded by Tobacco Settlement funds. [fiscal note]
(Tabled by Appropriations Comm., 2/1/01; died at end of session)

VA
HB 1785

[Subsidy] Would establish a two-year pilot program, the Virginia Prescription Drug Payment Assistance Pilot Program, by January 1, 2002, to assist a predetermined number of eligible elderly and disabled Virginians in paying for prescription drugs on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligibility criteria would require that a person have an income below 200 percent of the federal poverty level or prescription drug expenses that exceed forty percent of annual income.
(Tabled by Appropriations Comm., 2/1/01; died at end of session)

VA
H 1803
Rep. Tate

Would establish the Virginia Pharmaceutical Assistance Program that "assures that those 65 or older, and whose incomes do not exceed 200% of the FPL have access to medically necessary prescription drugs." Also establishes a formulary and a sliding fee scale of copayments.
(Tabled 2/1/01; died at end of session)

WA
S 6197
Sen. Thibaudeau & Deccio

Would establish the Washington Pharmacy Access Initiative to provide low-cost prescription drugs; would create a state "prescription drug price program "available to all residents" using manufacturer rebates based on Medicaid rebates, and pharmacy discounts to reduce prescription drug prices. Manufacturer products not covered by rebate agreements would be subject to prior authorization in Medicaid. Would also include a subsidized prescription drug insurance plan for age 65 and older or disabled with income up to 200% of FPL. Enrollment in the subsidized program could be limited on a first-come, first-serve basis to fit budget limits. Also would create a "system of academic detailing and consumer counter-detailing that educates physicians and other prescribers and consumers."
(Filed 6/7/01; did not pass during 2^nd special session*)

WV
H 3143
Smith, L.

Would establish a 10% state income tax credit for prescription drug out-of-pocket expenses.
(Filed 1/9/02; sent to committee)

WV
H3225
Rep. Angotti

Would establish a senior citizens prescription drug subsidy program, to be funded from a state video lottery fund.
(Filed 3/30/01; did not pass in 2001; reintroduced 1/9/02; sent to committee)

WI
S.1
Sen. Judy Robson

Would create a senior subsidy and discount program for seniors 65 and over with income up to $25,050 or $33,750 for couples. Enrollees would pay a $20 annual fee and be subject to a $500 annual deductible. Enrollees would be entitled to an 18% discount on their first $500 of pharmaceutical purchases. After reaching the $500 deductible, enrollees would pay a $10 co-payment for brand-name drugs and $5 for generic drugs, with a state subsidy of the balance. Also would require the Department of Health and Family Services to seek a federal Medicaid waiver to provide discounted drugs to Medicare beneficiaries. The appropriations estimate is $105 million. news story: Prescription Drug Bill Tops Agenda, 1/10/01
(Filed 1/9/01; passed Senate, 2/13; Read a third time in Assembly; did not pass in this form; see SB 55 above) [fiscal note online]

WY

See laws, Table 1 above

Compiled by: Richard Cauchi, NCSL Health Program - Denver, CO.
Material also contributed by staff members: Karmen Hanson, Health Care Program; Donna Folkemer, Forum for State Health Policy Leadership.