ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR., Governor                           H.B. 143

Section 12

BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,

Chapter 135 of the Acts of the General Assembly of 2001, as amended by

Chapter 153 of the Acts of the General Assembly of 2002
Section 12

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:

Article - Health - General

15-124.2.

(a)     (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

(2) "Foundation" means the Maryland Health Care Foundation
established under § 20-502 of this article.

(3) SECTION, "Program" means the Maryland Medbank Program
established under this section.

(b)     There is a Maryland Medbank Program.

(c)      The purpose of the Program is to improve the health status of individuals
throughout the State who lack prescription drug coverage by providing access to
medically necessary prescription drugs through patient assistance programs
sponsored by pharmaceutical drug manufacturers.

(d)     (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Program shall be
administered by the Foundation MEDBANK OF MARYLAND, INC.

(2) The Foundation MEDBANK OF MARYLAND, INC. shall contract with
one or more government or nonprofit entities to operate the Program.

(e)     (1) The administration and operation of the Program shall be funded
through a grant provided by the Department.

(2) Program funds may be used in part to:

(I)      [purchase] PURCHASE interim supplies of prescription drugs
for enrollees who have applied to participate in a manufacturer's patient assistance
program but have not yet received the approved prescription drug; AND

(II)     DISTRIBUTE MEDICATION TO ENROLLEES WHO HAVE BEEN
APPROVED TO PARTICIPATE IN A MANUFACTURER'S PATIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

(f)      (1) The Foundation MEDBANK OF MARYLAND, INC. shall ensure that the
Program is available to residents in each of the following geographic regions of the
State:

(i) Western Maryland;

(ii) The Eastern Shore;

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