§ 14-512. General consideration[Part subject to abrogation]

   (a) Requirements. -- The Program shall:

   (1) provide a prescription drug benefit subsidy, as determined by the Board, that may pay all or some of the deductibles, coinsurance payments, premiums, and copayments under the federal Medicare Part D Pharmaceutical Assistance Program for enrollees of the Program; and

   (2) provide the subsidy to the maximum number of individuals eligible for enrollment in the Program, subject to the moneys available in the segregated account under § 14-504 of this subtitle.

(b) Limit payment of subsidy. -- The Program may limit payment of any subsidy by paying the subsidy only on behalf of eligible individuals enrolled in a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan or Medicare Advantage Plan that coordinates with the Program in accordance with federal requirements.

(c) Additional subsidy. -- The Program:

   (1) may annually provide an additional subsidy, up to the full amount of the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan premium, for individuals who qualify for a partial federal low-income subsidy; and

   (2) shall annually provide an additional subsidy up to the full amount of the Medicare Part D coverage gap, subject to the availability of:

      (i) funds provided under § 14-106.2 of this title; and

      (ii) any other funds available for this purpose.

(d) Waiting list. -- The Program shall maintain a waiting list of individuals who meet the eligibility requirements for the Program but who are not served by the Program due to funding limitations.

(e) Records by Board. -- The Board shall determine annually:

   (1) the number of individuals to be enrolled in the Program;

   (2) the amount of subsidy to be provided under subsections (a) and (c)(2) of this section; and

   (3) the amount of any additional subsidy provided under subsection (c)(1) of this section.

(f) Reports. -- On or before January 1 of each year, the Board, in accordance with § 2-1246 of the State Government Article, shall report to the General Assembly on:

   (1) the number of individuals on the waiting list for the Program; and

   (2) to the extent that the Board is able to collect the information:

      (i) the number of enrollees with out-of-pocket prescription drug costs that exceed $ 2,250, broken down for each fiscal quarter; and

      (ii) the total annual out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for enrollees.

HISTORY: 2002, ch. 153, § 7; 2005, ch. 281, § 1; ch. 282, § 1; 2006, ch. 345; 2007, chs. 508, 509; 2008, chs. 557, 558.