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H. 4045
STATUS INFORMATION
General Bill
Sponsors: Reps. Govan, Bailey, R. Brown, Freeman, Littlejohn, Lloyd, Mack, Mahaffey, Moody-Lawrence, J.H. Neal, Pinson, Sinclair and Vaughn
Document Path: l:\council\bills\nbd\11627ac03.doc
Introduced in the House on April 23, 2003
Currently residing in the House Committee on Ways and Means
Summary: Medication Assistance to Seniors (MATS) program
HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS
Date Body Action Description with journal page number ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4/23/2003 House Introduced and read first time HJ-147 4/23/2003 House Referred to Committee on Ways and Means HJ-147
View the latest legislative information at the LPITS web site
VERSIONS OF THIS BILL
TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 43-21-195 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE MEDICATION ASSISTANCE TO SENIORS (MATS) PROGRAM IN THE DIVISION ON AGING, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES TO ASSIST LOW INCOME SENIORS WITH OBTAINING PRESCRIPTION DRUGS FROM MANUFACTURERS' PHARMACEUTICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS, TO PROVIDE FOR THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE DIVISION IN IMPLEMENTING THIS PROGRAM, TO PROVIDE THAT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROGRAM IS SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDING; AND TO PROVIDE THAT MATS IS NOT AN ENTITLEMENT PROGRAM AND IF THERE ARE INSUFFICIENT FUNDS TO ASSIST ALL ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS, THE DIVISION MAY DEVELOP A WAITING LIST PRIORITIZED BY CRITERIA ESTABLISHED BY THE DIVISION.
Whereas, the General Assembly finds that the pharmaceutical manufacturers, seeing a need, have created charitable programs to aid low-income seniors with the cost of prescription drugs; and
Whereas, the General Assembly also finds that many low-income seniors are unaware of these programs or do not know how to apply for or need assistance in completing the applications for these programs; and
Whereas, it is the intent of the General Assembly that the Division on Aging, in coordination with the Department of Health and Human Services, implement and oversee the Medication Assistance to Seniors Program, created by this act, to help seniors in accessing manufacturers pharmaceutical assistance programs. Now, therefore,
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:
SECTION 1. Chapter 21, Title 42 of the 1976 Code is amended by Adding:
"Section 43-21-195. (A) As used in this section:
(1) 'Application assistance organization' means a private organization that assists individuals with obtaining prescription drugs through manufacturers' pharmaceutical assistance programs.
(2) 'Eligible individual' means an individual who is sixty years of age or older who lacks adequate pharmaceutical insurance coverage.
(3) 'Manufacturers' pharmaceutical assistance program' means a program offered by a pharmaceutical manufacturer which provides low-income individuals with prescription drugs free or at reduced prices including, but not limited to, senior discount card programs and patient assistance programs.
(B) There is established in the Division of Aging, Department of Health and Human Services the Medication Assistance to Seniors (MATS) program to assist low-income seniors with obtaining prescription drugs from manufacturers' pharmaceutical assistance programs.
(C)(1) In implementing and overseeing the Medication Assistance to Seniors program the Division on Aging shall:
(a) promote the availability of manufacturers' pharmaceutical assistance programs to eligible individuals with various outreach initiatives;
(b) work with pharmaceutical manufacturers and consumer advocates to develop a uniform application form to be completed by seniors who wish to participate in the Medication Assistance to Seniors Program;
(c) train volunteers to help eligible individuals fill out applications for the manufacturers' pharmaceutical assistance programs;
(d) train volunteers to determine if applicants are eligible for other state programs;
(e) seek federal funds to help fund the Medication Assistance to Seniors Program.
(2) In administering MATS, the division also may:
(a) request proposals from and enter into contracts with application assistance organizations to assist eligible individuals with obtaining prescription drugs through manufacturers' pharmaceutical assistance programs;
(b) seek federal waivers to help fund the Medication Assistance to Seniors Program;
(c) build private sector and public sector partnerships with corporations, hospitals, physicians, pharmacists, foundations, volunteers, state agencies, community groups, area agencies on aging, and any other entities that will further the intent of this section. These community partnerships may also be used to facilitate other pro bono benefits for eligible individuals including, but not limited to, medical, dental, and prescription services.
(D) If the division contracts with an application assistance organization, the division shall evaluate quarterly the performance of the application assistance organization to ensure compliance with the contract and the quality of service provided to eligible individuals.
(E)(1) Implementation of the Medication Assistance to Seniors program is subject to the availability of funding and to any limitation or requirements as may otherwise be provided for in law.
(2) The MATS program is not an entitlement program and if funds are insufficient to assist all eligible individuals, the division may develop a waiting list prioritized by criteria promulgated by the division in regulation.
(F) Before January first of each year, the division shall report to the General Assembly regarding the implementation and operation of the program."
SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
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