BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. John Hoeven today was joined by legislators and community advocates for the signing of two healthcare bills. The first will help people in need to obtain costly prescription drugs and the second will improve healthcare for children with disabilities.
“Providing affordable prescription drug relief, especially for seniors and those who are critically ill, and taking care of children and families in need are two of the most important things we can do in the area of healthcare,” Hoeven said. “Everyone involved in initiating and passing these bills – legislators, families, and community advocates – should be proud of the good work they’ve done for some of the most vulnerable North Dakotans.”
House Bill 1256 creates a state Prescription Drug Repository to collect and distribute unused medications so that pharmacies and physicians can distribute them to those who can’t afford them. The availability of drugs, medical devices and supplies will be posted on a web site, where patients and practitioners can access the information.
Joining Hoeven for the signing of HB 1256 were bill sponsors Rep. Robin Weisz; Rep. Chet Pollert; Rep. Blair Thoreson; Sen. Randy Christmann; Sen. Judy Lee; and Sen. Larry Robinson. Also joining the group were Deborah Knuth of the North Dakota Cancer Society and Howard Anderson, director of the North Dakota State Board of Pharmacy.
“Significant quantities of prescription drugs and medical supplies are destroyed each year after a cancer patient no longer needs them, or is unable to use them,” said Deb Knuth, Director - Government Relations, Great West Division of the American Cancer Society. “House Bill 1256 will allow the creation of a prescription drug and device donation and repository that will enable cancer patients and their families to donate unused, unopened prescription drugs and medical supplies for use by the medically uninsured and under-insured.”
Senate Bill 2326 authorizes the Department of Human Services to establish and implement a Medicaid buy-in program to provide medical assistance and other health coverage options to families of children with disabilities whose net income are as much as 200 percent of the federal poverty level. The bill will also enable the agency to implement a waiver to provide in-home services to children with extraordinary medical needs who would otherwise require hospitalization or nursing home care. To be eligible, the child must be determined to have a disability under the Social Security Act.
North Dakota will be the first state in the nation to implement the measure, which is authorized by the U.S. Congress in the federal Family Opportunity Act of 2005. The North Dakota Legislature has authorized $2.7 million to implement the measure.
Joining Hoeven for the signing of SB 2326 were bill sponsors Sen. Tim Mathern; Sen. Tom Fischer; Sen. Judy Lee; Rep. Clara Sue Price; and Rep. Jasper Schneider. Also joining the group were Donene Feist, state director of Family Voices of North Dakota; Sen. Dick Dever; and family members of special needs children.
“This bill is a major step forward for the families who have been denied opportunities so that their children with special health needs and disabilities can get the care they need,” said Feist, whose son Zachary is a special needs child who has overcome many obstacles. “It will remove some of the barriers that prevent families from staying together and staying employed – while giving hope and freedom to those who deserve it most.”
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