GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
SESSION 2001
H	1
HOUSE BILL 1232
     

 
Short Title:	Prescription Drug Assistance for Seniors.	()	
Sponsors:	Representatives Redwine;  Baddour, Easterling, Oldham (Primary Sponsors), Adams, Alexander, Allen, Barefoot, Culpepper, Cunningham, Dedmon, Earle, Gibson, Goodwin, Hackney, Morris, Nesbitt, Owens, Russell, Thompson, and Wainwright.	
Referred to:	Health.	
April 12, 2001

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to direct the health and wellness trust fund commission to endeavor to fund programs and initiatives to expand access to prescription drugs for seniors.

Whereas, the affordability of prescription drugs has become a great burden to North Carolina’s senior citizens; and
Whereas, Medicare typically does not pay for prescription drugs; and
Whereas, nearly half of Medicare beneficiaries do not have coverage for prescription drugs for the entire year; and
Whereas, prescription drug spending accounts for one‑sixth of all out-of-pocket spending for senior citizens; and
Whereas, it is estimated that for the year 2000, Medicare fee for service beneficiaries spent on average, $1,370 for prescription drugs; and
Whereas, it has been reported that in 1998, 5% of older persons spent more than $4,100 on prescription drugs, and 1% spent more than $6,600; and
Whereas, prescription drug costs are increasing at a double digit rate per year; and
Whereas, approximately 30 communities in North Carolina have established programs to expand access to prescription drugs for local residents; and 
Whereas, over 20 states have established statewide prescription drug assistance programs; and
Whereas, President Bush sent to Congress a proposal on January 29, 2001, called "Immediate Helping Hand" that would provide support to states over four years to cover the full cost of drugs for the poorest senior adults and part of the cost for those at slightly higher incomes; and
Whereas, the General Assembly established, pursuant to Article 6C of Chapter 147 of the General Statutes, the Health and Wellness Trust Fund in the Office of the State Treasurer to be used to finance programs and initiatives to improve the health and wellness of the people in North Carolina; and 
Whereas, moneys from the fund may be used to address the health needs of vulnerable and underserved populations in North Carolina; and 
Whereas, the Health and Wellness Trust Fund Commission has the duty to develop criteria for awarding grants under the Article that will include programs addressing the short‑ and long‑term health and wellness of the citizens of North Carolina; Now, therefore, 
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  The Health and Wellness Trust Fund Commission shall, as it develops criteria for awarding grants under Article 6C of Chapter 147 of the General Statutes, endeavor to include criteria that will enable programs and initiatives addressing the need to expand access to prescription drugs to North Carolina senior citizens to receive grants from the Fund.  In making the grants, the Commission shall consider, and coordinate with, the availability of any federal funds allocated to North Carolina pursuant to any federal initiative to provide financial assistance to senior citizens for the cost of prescription drugs.  
In making its annual report to the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations and to the chairs of the Joint Legislative Health Care Oversight Committee regarding the implementation of the Article, the chair of the Health and Wellness Trust Fund Commission shall report on the programs and initiatives to expand access to prescription drugs to senior citizens that were funded by the Trust Fund.  The report shall include the amount of funds disbursed for programs and initiatives to expand access to prescription drugs to senior citizens and the success of those programs and initiatives towards helping senior citizens obtain prescription drugs. 
SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.