97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2011 and 2012
HB6178

 

Introduced , by Rep. Naomi D. Jakobsson

 

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:
 
New Act

    Creates the Seniors Pharmaceutical Assistance Relief Program Act. Provides that it is the purpose of this Act to ensure that the State's senior population has access to affordable prescription drugs. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, beginning July 1, 2012, to establish and administer a Seniors Pharmaceutical Assistance Relief Program with the cooperation of local area agencies on aging. Contains provisions concerning eligibility standards; application standards; and rulemaking. Effective July 1, 2012.


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FISCAL NOTE ACT MAY APPLY

 

 

A BILL FOR

 

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1    AN ACT concerning public aid.
 
2    Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois,
3represented in the General Assembly:
 
4    Section 1. Short title. This Act may be cited as the
5Seniors Pharmaceutical Assistance Relief Program Act.
 
6    Section 5. Purpose. It is the purpose of this Act to ensure
7that the State's senior population has access to affordable
8prescription drugs.
 
9    Section 10. Creation of program. Beginning July 1, 2012,
10the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall
11establish and administer a pharmacy assistance program
12entitled the Seniors Pharmaceutical Assistance Relief Program.
13Local area agencies on aging shall cooperate with the
14Department in this endeavor.
 
15    Section 15. Eligibility. To become a beneficiary under the
16Program established under this Act, a person must:
17    (1) Be 65 years of age or older.
18    (2) Be domiciled in this State.
19    (3) Have income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty
20Level.
21    (4) Apply for federal Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy) under

 

 

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1Medicare Part D.
2    (5) Have maximum household assets of $13,070 if single, or
3$26,120 if married.
4    Future asset limitations established by the Department
5under this Program shall be updated, if necessary, to match the
6asset limitations set under the federal Extra Help (Low-Income
7Subsidy) program.
 
8    Section 20. Program applications. Applications for
9benefits under the Program shall be submitted electronically to
10the local Area Agency on Aging. Applications must be filed
11during the time period prescribed by the Department.
 
12    Section 25. Rules. The Department may adopt rules regarding
13applications, counting of income, the type of prescription
14drugs covered, and any other rules necessary for the
15cost-efficient operation of the Program established under this
16Act.
 
17    Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect July 1,
182012.