093_SB0250 LRB093 10513 DRJ 10767 b 1 AN ACT in relation to prescription drug assistance. 2 Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, 3 represented in the General Assembly: 4 Section 1. Short title. This Act may be cited as the 5 Pharmaceutical Manufacturer's Drug Access Program Act. 6 Section 5. Program created. The Department of Public Aid 7 shall develop and implement a Pharmaceutical Manufacturer's 8 Drug Access Program to assist low-income individuals in 9 gaining access to prescription drugs through prescription 10 drug assistance programs offered by pharmaceutical 11 manufacturers, including free discount and coverage programs. 12 The Department shall use available computer software programs 13 that link an eligible individual with the appropriate 14 pharmaceutical company patient assistance program or programs 15 relating to the prescription drugs that are medically 16 necessary for the individual. As part of the Pharmaceutical 17 Manufacturer's Drug Access Program, the Department shall 18 provide education to individuals and pharmaceutical companies 19 to promote and expand enrollment in the companies' programs 20 and to increase low-income individuals' access to medically 21 necessary prescription drugs. 22 Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect on 23 July 1, 2003.