Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Health Care & Wellness Committee |
HB 2021
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Concerning the prescription drug assistance foundation.
Sponsors: Representatives Riccelli, Parker, Cody, Holy, Ormsby and Muri.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/18/15
Staff: Alexa Silver (786-7190).
Background:
The Prescription Drug Assistance Foundation (Foundation) was established in statute in 2005 as a nonprofit corporation. It is governed by a board of directors appointed by the Governor. Its purpose is to assist qualified uninsured individuals in obtaining prescription drugs at little or no cost. Among other things, it assists patients with accessing free programs provided by drug companies, co-pay cards for accessing insurance coverage, and assistance with prior authorization forms.
The Foundation is authorized to receive, solicit, contract for, collect, and hold in trust donations, gifts, grants, and bequests. It may use all sources of public and private funding to support its activities, but State General Fund funds may not be used for its ongoing operation.
"Qualified uninsured individual" is defined as an uninsured person who is a Washington resident and who has an income below 300 percent of the federal poverty level. "Uninsured" means a person who lacks health insurance coverage including prescription drugs. "Health insurance coverage including prescription drugs" means prescription drug coverage under a private insurance plan, Medicaid, Medicare, the state Children's Health Insurance Program, the Basic Health Plan, or any employer-sponsored health plan that includes a prescription drug benefit.
Summary of Bill:
For purposes of the Prescription Drug Assistance Foundation law, the definition of "qualified uninsured individual" includes underinsured persons. "Underinsured" is defined as an individual who has health insurance coverage that includes prescription drugs, but for whom the prescription drug coverage is inadequate for their needs.
The definition of "health insurance coverage including prescription drugs" includes a plan offered through the Health Benefit Exchange.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.