ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR., Governor                             Ch. 270

(2)     Changes that require 30 days' advance written notice under
paragraph (1) of this subsection are:

(i) Exclusion of coverage for classes of drugs as specified by
contract;

(ii) Changes in prior or preauthorization procedures; and

(iii) Selection of new prescription claims processors.

(3)     If the Maryland Pharmacy Assistance Program fails to provide
advance notice as required under paragraph (1) of this subsection, it shall honor and
pay in full any claim under the Program rules or requirements that existed before the
change for 30 days after the postmarked date of the notice.

(4)     Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the notice requirements
of this subsection do not apply to the addition of new generic drugs authorized under
§ 12-504 of the Health Occupations Article.

(d)     (1) The Secretary shall adopt rules and regulations that authorize the
denial, restriction, or termination of eligibility for recipients who have abused
benefits under the Maryland Pharmacy Assistance Program.

(2)     As a condition of participation, the Department may require
Maryland Pharmacy Assistance Program participants to apply for eligibility in the
Maryland Medical Assistance Program within 60 days of notification to do so by the
Department.

(3)     The rules and regulations shall require that the recipient be given
notice and an opportunity for a hearing before eligibility may be denied, restricted, or
terminated under this subsection.

(e)     The Secretary shall develop a program, in consultation with appropriate
agencies, that will provide information to ineligible Maryland Pharmacy Assistance
Program applicants regarding other programs that they may be eligible for including
the Maryland Medbank Program established under § 15-124.2 of this subtitle and the
[short-term prescription drug subsidy plan established under Subtitle 6 of this title]
SENIOR PRESCRIPTION DRUG PROGRAM ESTABLISHED UNDER TITLE 14, SUBTITLE 5
OF THE INSURANCE ARTICLE.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect
July 1, 2003.

Approved May 13, 2003.

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