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2005 SESSION

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HB 1624 Insurance Plan for Seniors; created.

Introduced by: Harry R. Purkey | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles | history

SUMMARY AS PASSED HOUSE:

Department of Medical Assistance Services; implementation of Medicare Part D benefit. Grants the Board of Medical Assistance Services emergency regulatory authority to implement the provisions of the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit that becomes effective January 1, 2006.  The bill also directs the Department of Medical Assistance Services to convene a task force, upon the implementation of the Medicare Part D program, of public and private stakeholders to assist the Department in evaluating the federal program and make recommendations for enhancing, coordinating, and integrating the existing pharmacy assistance programs for low-income Virginians and the Medicare Part D benefit.  The Department must report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly by November 1, 2006.

SUMMARY AS INTRODUCED:

Department of Medical Assistance Services; Virginia Insurance Plan for Seniors (VIPS); prescription drug assistance.  Establishes the VIPS to provide assistance in the purchase of prescription drugs for those persons who are dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare but who do not qualify for prescription coverage under Medicaid. Payment assistance is limited to $80 per month per eligible person, and participants must pay a $10 copayment for each prescription. Participants are also required to use generic drugs unless they are willing to pay the difference between the generic and brand-name drug. Any licensed pharmacist may participate according to the rules adopted for the program and will be paid a reasonable reimbursement to cover the cost of the drug and costs for dispensing prescriptions. Three enactment clauses require the Board of Medical Assistance Services to promulgate emergency regulations; the Department of Medical Assistance Services to seek a waiver for VIPS from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, if necessary; and set the effective date of the act as July 1, 2006, with implementation to occur on the earlier of 90 days following the adoption of emergency regulations or July 1, 2007.