A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT REQUIRING certain PHARMACIES TO PROVIDE PRESCRIPTION DRUG DISCOUNTS TO CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  Article 4A of Chapter 90 of the General Statutes is amended by adding the following new section to read:
"§ 90-85.42. Prescription drug discount required for certain individuals.
(a)	A pharmacy, by or through a pharmacist acting on its behalf as its employee, agent, or owner, that dispenses prescription drugs pursuant to reimbursement under the North Carolina Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid) shall comply with the requirements of this section.
(b)	In dispensing prescription drugs to individuals who meet the requirements of this section, the pharmacy shall accept as payment in full from the individual the applicable rate for which the pharmacy is reimbursed from the North Carolina Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid). The discount required under this section shall be offered to individuals:(1)	Over the age of 60 and not eligible for full Medicaid benefits; and
(2)	Not otherwise covered for prescription drugs under a health benefit plan or public or private prescription drug program.
(c)	A pharmacy subject to this section shall display prominently at the point of service and at the point of sale, a sign reminding discount beneficiaries to ask that the charge for the beneficiary's prescription be the same amount as the fee charged to the North Carolina Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid)."
SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective January 1, 2004.