Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Health Care Committee

HB 1753

Brief Description:  Establishing a medication outreach program.

Sponsors:  Representatives Ballasiotes, Darneille, Skinner, Cody, Schual‑Berke, Campbell and Tokuda.

Brief Summary of Bill

$The Department of Social and Health Services will operate a medication outreach program.

Hearing Date:  2/13/01

Staff:  Dave Knutson (786‑7146).

Background: 

Approximately 31 percent of seniors over age 65 have no prescription drug coverage through public or private insurance programs.  A portion of this population may qualify for coverage under the state medical assistance program.  Pharmaceutical manufacturers operate free prescription drug programs for some individuals who lack insurance coverage for prescription drugs.

Summary of Bill: 

The Department of Social and Health Services will operate a medication outreach program. The program will assist people over 65 to enroll in the state medical assistance program, and access free or low cost prescription medication from public or private sources.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 12, 2001.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.