HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1753

 

 

 

As Reported by House Committee On:  

Health Care

 

Title:  An act relating to the medication outreach program.

 

Brief Description:  Establishing a medication outreach program.

 

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

 

Brief History: 

Committee Activity: 

Health Care:  2/13/01, 2/20/01 [DP].

 

  Brief Summary of Bill

 

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

 

 

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE

 

Majority Report:  Do pass. Signed by 13 members: Representatives Campbell, Republican Co‑Chair; Cody, Democratic Co‑Chair; Schual‑Berke, Democratic Vice Chair; Alexander, Ballasiotes, Conway, Darneille, Edmonds, Edwards, Marine, McMorris, Pennington and Ruderman.

 

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.

 

Testimony For:  Many senior citizens may qualify for the state Medicaid assistance program, but don=t know it.  An outreach program could help senior citizens find prescription drugs through either public or private programs.

 

Testimony Against:  None.

 

Testified:  (In support) Lis Merten, National Association of Chair Drug Stores; and Cliff Webster, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America.

 

(With concerns) Steve Wish, Department of Social and Health Services.