Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health and Human Services, to which was referred S.R. No. 110 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to establish an interim working group to disseminate information regarding prescription drug card discount programs offered to senior citizens.

Testimony in support of this measure was submitted by the Hawai'i Pharmacists Association.

Your Committee finds that over the past year, major manufacturers of prescription medications have established discount programs for senior citizens due to the lack of drug coverage under Medicare and most other insurance programs. Your Committee further finds that many senior citizens are not aware of these programs, and thus, do not take advantage of the discounts offered under these programs. Your Committee agrees that an interim working group would go far to assist in educating seniors and others who provide care and assistance for our elders regarding the benefits of these programs.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health and Human Services that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.R. No. 110, and recommends that it be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.